Rachael Maskell

The most recent discussions between the National Church Institutions and the Treasury about VAT on building repairs took place in 2021-2022 around the regular review of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.

Representations were also made in 2022 by the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the National Church Institutions to the Secretary of State for Brexit Opportunities suggesting that VAT on repair and restoration of religious buildings be zero-rated as part of the review of EU legislation. This request was supported by the Historic Building Alliance and the wider sector. The Brexit Opportunities Department declined to take the suggestion further at the time.

The Church of England is grateful to the Treasury for continuing the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme while the post-Brexit tax arrangements are bedding in as this gives certainty to churches undertaking repair and building work.

More information about the scheme can be found here: https://listed-places-of-worship-grant.dcms.gov.uk/

Parish ministry is central to the day-to-day life of the Church of England. The General Synod, at its July 2023 session, discussed GS 2314 a paper from the Vision and Strategy Department about revitalising parish ministry. You can find the paper here: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/gs-2314-revitalising-the-parish.pdf

Regarding the distribution of the Church Commissioners' funds, it will be for the new Strategic Mission and Ministry Board to decide who and how they consult before making their decisions and advice regarding future investment.

The latest report from the Strategic Mission and Misntry Board can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/gs-misc-1348-final-version-2022-sib-annual-report-for-synod.pdf

Information about the foundation of the Board and its purpose can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/new-board-oversee-unprecedented-church-england-investment-mission-and

Equal pay refers to men and women performing equal work, or work of equal value. In comparison, the gender pay gap measures the difference between men and women’s average earnings across an organisation.

The Equality Act 2010 contains strong equal pay protections and many employers proactively conduct regular equal pay audits, in order to ensure that they are not acting unlawfully. In 2014, the Government strengthened equal pay protections by introducing mandatory equal pay audits for organisations that lose an equal pay claim.

The Government does not make an assessment of trends in equal pay. Individuals can bring a claim to an Employment Tribunal if they believe their employer is acting unlawfully, and figures on the number of employers doing so can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics#employment-tribunal-and-employment-appeal-tribunal-statistics-(gb)

With regard to the gender pay gap, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes data on the national gender pay gap annually, this includes breakdowns by UK regions and areas. The most recent data from the ONS can be accessed here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/bulletins/genderpaygapintheuk/2022

The government has committed to a National Youth Guarantee: that by 2025, every young person will have access to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer. This is supported by a three-year investment of over £500 million in youth services, which the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan builds on. The Youth Investment Fund, an integral part of the National Youth Guarantee, will invest over £300 million in creating and refurbishing up to 300 youth facilities in levelling up priority areas. Over 80% of top tier local authority areas eligible for the Youth Investment Fund contain at least one anti-social behaviour hotspot.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan committed an additional £11 million of new funding to provide an extra one million hours of youth support in anti-social behaviour hotspots, the equivalent of around 200 youth clubs opening their doors for an extra night a week. Work is underway to deliver this initiative and further details will be announced in due course.

Additionally, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) funds the National Youth Agency to maintain a register of qualified youth workers. DCMS is committed to supporting a skilled and trained youth sector workforce and we are working with the National Youth Agency to ensure clear qualification pathways, free training and access to financial support for qualifications. To date DCMS has awarded funding for bursaries for over 2,000 individuals to undertake youth work qualifications who otherwise may have been excluded due to cost.

We are concluding the review of the UK Tentative List and expect to make a public announcement in the Spring.

The Government recognises the important role that the BBC’s local radio services play in terms of the provision of local news and information, and of community engagement in the local area.

The BBC is operationally and editorially independent from the Government as set out in its Royal Charter, and decisions on service delivery are a matter for the BBC. However, we are disappointed that the BBC is planning to reduce parts of its local radio output. In the Department’s regular conversations with the BBC, we have been clear that it must make sure it continues to provide distinctive and genuinely local radio services, with content that reflects and represents people and communities from all corners of the UK.

The Government also expects Ofcom, as regulator of the BBC, to ensure the BBC is robustly held to account in delivering its public service duties. The Government has already asked Ofcom about how they are considering this issue, and Ofcom has now set out its assessment of the market impact of the BBC’s proposals. I understand that Ofcom is continuing discussions with the BBC on the impact of its proposals on audiences.

As announced in the recent Spring Budget, the government will provide over £100 million of support for charities and community organisations in England. This will be targeted towards those organisations most at risk, due to increased demand from vulnerable groups and higher delivery costs, as well as providing investment in energy efficiency

Further details of both aspects of the funding, including eligibility criteria and any restraints, will be announced in due course.

We recognise the importance of ensuring public access to swimming pools, as swimming is a great way for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy. The responsibility of providing this access lies at Local Authority level, and the Government continues to encourage Local Authorities to support swimming facilities.

At the Budget, we announced a dedicated £63 million support package for swimming pools, which is targeted at addressing cost pressures facing public swimming pool providers. It will also help provide investment in energy efficiency measures to reduce future operating costs and make facilities sustainable in the long-term.

Details of the eligibility process will be published shortly, however, this fund will focus on those public swimming pool providers whose cost pressures are most acute, leaving them most vulnerable to closure. The Government intends for community and charitable trusts to be eligible to receive this funding. Sport England will manage a competitive application process and set out further detail on eligibility shortly.

This Government is committed to supporting R&D and innovation at the nexus between digital and creativity. This is why we, through UK Research and Investment (UKRI) and its bodies including the Arts and Humanities Research Council and Innovate UK, have committed over £100m to programmes supporting R&D in the creative industries over the course of this Spending Review.

We have supported the digital and creative sectors in York through the XR Stories Cluster, which is part of the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s Creative Industries Clusters Programme. The XR Stories Cluster is a collaboration between the University of York, Screen Yorkshire, the British Film Institute and local industry. It provided £15 million in investment and expertise for the region’s screen industries to undertake R&D and innovation.

DCMS and UKRI also recently announced £2.6 million of further funding that will consolidate learnings from the Clusters programme, helping to inform further action to support our growth objectives for the sector, which will be set out in further detail in the forthcoming Government Creative Industries Sector Vision.

DCMS engages with the Home Office on the role universal youth services play in helping to reduce the risk factors associated with involvement in youth crime.

The government is investing over £500m in youth services over the next 3 years to deliver the National Youth Guarantee, which states that by 2025 every young person will have access to regular out of school activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer.

Arts Council England's 2023-26 national portfolio will see a 20% increase in organisations delivering creative and cultural activity for children and young people. This includes organisations which focus on working with young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, and those in young offenders institutions.

In addition, the government has made a £200 million investment over 10 years via the Youth Endowment Fund, to test what works in preventing young people from becoming involved in violence.

DCMS engages with the Home Office on the role universal youth services play in helping to reduce the risk factors associated with involvement in youth crime.

The government is investing over £500m in youth services over the next 3 years to deliver the National Youth Guarantee, which states that by 2025 every young person will have access to regular out of school activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer.

Arts Council England's 2023-26 national portfolio will see a 20% increase in organisations delivering creative and cultural activity for children and young people. This includes organisations which focus on working with young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, and those in young offenders institutions.

In addition, the government has made a £200 million investment over 10 years via the Youth Endowment Fund, to test what works in preventing young people from becoming involved in violence.

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”. Local authorities are required by section 507B(12) to have regard to the statutory guidance when exercising the functions in relation to the statutory duty.

DCMS is committed to completing the review of the guidance underpinning the Local Authority Statutory Duty for Youth Services, previously paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results will be published in due course.

My Department is committed to broadening the accessibility of our cultural and heritage sites across the country to everyone regardless of their background, and Arts Council England’s recent announcement of the 2023-26 National Portfolio – which sees a record number of organisations being funded in more parts of the country than ever before – will significantly improve access to creative and cultural assets.

This Portfolio will support 990 organisations across the whole of England. This is more than ever before, and in more places than ever before, with 276 organisations set to join the portfolio from all over the country. For the first time, Arts Council England collected information about socio-economic background during the application process, and this information can be viewed on the Arts Council website.

The Arts Council is committed to the development of an arts and cultural sector that is representative of modern society and in which there are no barriers to participation. To this end, Arts Councils across the UK are working together with the British Film Institute to launch a free, UK-wide arts access card by early 2024. This scheme was also announced in the new National Disability Strategy.

Data collection plays an integral role in how the Department for Culture, Media and Sport assesses the economic contribution of its sectors to the UK economy. DCMS publishes official statistics (DCMS Sectors Economic Estimates) including data on Gross Value Added, employment and business demographics, which are available at regional levels. These data can be found on the DCMS website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dcms-sectors-economic-estimates

DCMS recognises the key role that local authorities play in developing, supporting, and delivering cultural and creative services and strategies within their local areas. As the Government's response to the DCMS Select Committee inquiry into Cultural Placemaking and the Levelling Up Agenda (published February 2023) sets out, we are supporting them to do this in a number of ways, including through DCMS’s Cultural Compact initiative, jointly delivered with Arts Council England. DCMS’s arm’s-length bodies work closely with local government on strategic planning and delivery, including through five regional Area Towns Groups. These act as a co-ordinated 'single point of contact' for places in need of guidance on project development and delivery, and provide strategic planning for cultural placemaking and regeneration.

Neither the Speaker's Committee nor the Electoral Commission has made an assessment of the matters raised. Changes to the franchise are for Parliament to consider, and not for the Electoral Commission.

Where Parliament decides to make changes to the franchise, the Commission will work with government and the electoral community to ensure they are implemented effectively.

We are committed to improving the cost, choice, and availability of childcare. We continue to look at ways to make childcare more affordable and to encourage families to use government-funded support they are entitled to.

In assessing the impact of its free childcare entitlements, the department regularly reviews the impact on parents from a range of different research publications. This includes the Families and the Labour Market release (from the Office for National Statistics) and the Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents.

As part of the Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents, we also regularly ask parents about the effect that 30 hours free childcare has on families, including their ability to work. Almost 2 in 5 families using the 30 hours offer said that without the entitlement they would work fewer hours.

Over the last decade we have seen growth in the number of women in full-time work, and we are committed to ensuring that every woman is able to reach her full potential in her working life. In June to August 2022, 19.2% of people (1.7 million people) were economically inactive as a result of looking after family/home and of working age (16 to 64 years). This is part of a long-term declining trend since comparable data started to be collected June to August 1993 when it was 34.6% (3 million people). We continue to carefully monitor these figures.

We are also committed to improving the cost, choice, and availability of childcare. We continue to look at ways to make childcare more affordable and to encourage families to use the government-funded support they are entitled to.

All parents of three- and four-year-olds are eligible for 15 hours free early education per week. Parents who earn the equivalent of 16 hours per week at National Minimum or Living Wage can benefit from the full 30 hours free childcare, which can help save families around £6,000 a year per child. Working parents on Universal Credit can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs every month.

Delivery of the Glasgow Climate Pact is the top priority for the UK Presidency. The UK and Egypt recently convened Ministers in Copenhagen to discuss progress and heard strong commitment to deliver.

Since COP26, and following the call in the Glasgow Climate Pact, there have been 16 NDC submissions. A further eight National Adaptation Plans have been published, meaning 2 billion people are now covered by adaptation plans globally. We recently held the 5th Energy Transition Council Meeting where countries reinforced their commitment to implement tailored solutions to decarbonise their power sectors more rapidly. Over 180 countries, regions, cities, and businesses have now signed up to the Zero Emission Vehicles Declaration.

In total, six countries have endorsed the Agriculture Breakthrough, with Morocco and Sweden endorsing at Stockholm+50. On the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use, where 145 countries committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, we are working closely with key signatories to establish a new annual meeting to drive the delivery of this goal.

We have continued the push to mobilise finance to support energy transition, including the announcement of progress on four new Just Energy Transition Partnerships at the G7 summit. We are working with international partners to meet the $100bn delivery plan for public finance and the doubling of adaptation finance by 2025.

The national gender pay gap has fallen significantly under this government - and by approximately a quarter in the last decade. The ONS publishes data on the national gender pay gap annually, with regional breakdowns.

On ethnicity pay gaps; in “Inclusive Britain”, the response to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities’ report, we accepted the recommendation to publish guidance for employers to support a voluntary approach to ethnicity pay reporting. Work on this is already underway. The ONS published national ethnicity pay gap data in 2019, with additional breakdowns by region.

With regard to the disability pay gap, we recognise that one of the greatest challenges is opening up opportunity in the workplace. We recently consulted on Disability Workforce Reporting. This focused on reporting on disability employment, as opposed to pay gaps. The ONS published national disability pay gap data in 2021, broken down by UK country with regional estimates.

The national gender pay gap has fallen significantly under this government - and by approximately a quarter in the last decade. In 2017, we introduced regulations requiring large employers to publish the differences in average salaries and bonuses for men and women every year. The regulations have helped to motivate employers, and focus attention on improving equality in the workplace.

On ethnicity pay gaps; in ‘Inclusive Britain’, we accepted the recommendation to publish guidance for employers to support a voluntary approach to ethnicity pay reporting. Work on this is already underway and we are ensuring that it reflects what we have learned from gender pay gap reporting.

With regard to the disability pay gap, we recognise that one of the greatest challenges is opening up opportunity in the workplace. We recently consulted on Disability Workforce Reporting. This focused on reporting on disability, as opposed to pay gaps, for large employers; and explored both voluntary and mandated workplace transparency.

On 17 March 2022 I published ‘Inclusive Britain’, which sets out a ground-breaking action plan to tackle negative ethnic disparities, promote unity and build a fairer Britain for all.

Work is under way to deliver the 74 actions in Inclusive Britain, which will help to close outcome gaps between ethnic groups in education, employment, health and the criminal justice system.

Every individual has protected characteristics, so I think the hon. Member is describing the UK's commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights. In addition, the Equality Act 2010 provides protection for everyone against behaviour which unlawfully violates their dignity because of a protected characteristic, and the General Duty of the Equality and Human Rights Commission includes encouraging and supporting the development of a society in which there is respect for the dignity and worth of each individual.

Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine demonstrates the integral link between climate change, energy security and the vulnerability caused by our dependence on fossil fuels. I have discussed these matters with stakeholders in the UK and around the world, whilst recognising that governments need to deal with their immediate and acute energy needs.

Though the United Kingdom is not heavily reliant on imports of Russian hydrocarbons, the Government has set out steps to bolster UK energy security in the recent British Energy Security Strategy.

Through the policies and targets included within the Strategy, the UK will source much more clean, home-grown power from renewables and nuclear energy, reduce demand for energy by investing in efficiency measures, while ensuring there is a fair and managed transition with respect to oil and gas reserves in the North Sea.

At COP26, all parties agreed to phase down the use of coal for the first time ever. The Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement gained over 70 signatures from countries, subnationals, and organisations, and the Powering Past Coal Alliance grew to 165 members.

In 2022, the UK COP Presidency remains fully committed to consigning coal power to history. The Energy Transition Council will run until at least 2025, and is ensuring that countries can access investment in clean power that is more attractive than new coal plants. We are working with international partners to secure more signatories to the UN No New Coal Power Compact and the Powering Past Coal Alliance. The UK will also support the implementation of ambitious announcements made at COP26, including the South Africa Just Energy Transition Partnership, the Green Grids Initiative, and the Just Transition Declaration. We must accelerate action to cut the global new coal plant pipeline, and to retire existing coal generation capacity.

By COP26, 95% of the largest developed country climate finance providers made new, climate finance commitments to support developing countries. These have delivered significant progress towards the $100 billion goal, which will be reached by 2023 and continue rising through to 2025. It is now likely that $500 billion will be mobilised over the period 2021-25.

Parties agreed to at least double their collective provision of climate finance for adaptation to developing countries from 2019 levels by 2025. Parties also made new pledges to the Adaptation Fund of over $350m, around three times the previous highest level, and contributions to the Least Developed Country Fund worth $600m. The UK, with Fiji, also initiated the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance which will run trials with five developing countries to support faster, easier access to climate finance. The UK committed £100 million to support implementation of the Taskforce’s approach. Mobilising finance to developing countries remains a top priority for the UK COP Presidency in 2022.

The Lambeth Working Group on the Review of the Clergy Discipline Measure, chaired by the former Bishop at Lambeth, presented its final paper to the General Synod in July 2021. That paper recommended that the Clergy Discipline Measure be replaced by new legislation which provides for a wider approach to issues of discipline, including the creation of a system which allows for the determination of lesser types of misconduct and grievance. This work is now being taken forward by a smaller Implementation Group, chaired by the Bishop of Worcester. That Group intends to finalise their proposals over the coming months and consult with various interested bodies between February and May 2022 with a view to presenting detailed legislative proposals to General Synod in July 2022.

The Ecclesiastical Committee have not, as yet, been formally apprised of the recommendations made either by the Lambeth Working Group or the Implementation Group. The Implementation Group would be very happy to present their proposals to the Ecclesiastical Committee as part of the ongoing work over reforming clergy discipline. The Group envisage being in a position to do this from May 2022.

The Ecclesiastical Committee have not, as yet, been formally apprised of the recommendations made either by the Lambeth Working Group or the Implementation Group. The Implementation Group would be very happy to present their proposals to the Ecclesiastical Committee as part of the ongoing work over reforming clergy discipline. The Group envisage being in a position to do this from May 2022.

The Cabinet Office has committed to increasing its presence from c. 400 to c. 600 in York. This will be a mix of Senior Civil Service and delegated grades covering a range of professions such as HR, Commercial, Policy, Security, Finance, Project Delivery and Operational Delivery. As part of this, the Equality Hub has commenced recruiting roles into York.

Currently there are no plans for non-departmental public bodies and government agencies associated with the Cabinet Office to move jobs to York.

The Glasgow Climate Pact, combined with increased ambition across adaptation, finance and mitigation means that 1.5°C remains in sight, but only with concerted and immediate global efforts. So our Presidency year, which started in Glasgow and will end at COP27 in November 2022, will continue to focus on high ambition and driving ambition across our four goals: mitigation, adaptation, finance and collaboration. Through the UK’s Presidency year, we will build on the legacy of the Glasgow Climate Pact.

The Glasgow Climate Pact requests Parties to revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets in their nationally determined contributions as necessary to align with the Paris Agreement temperature goal by the end of 2022, taking into account different national circumstances. We will continue to use the year of our COP26 Presidency to keep up the pressure to deliver on the commitments made and go further and faster.

We will continue to demonstrate strong UK leadership over our Presidency year, working with our COP26 partners Italy, the incoming COP Presidency Egypt, the Chairs of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies, the UNFCCC Secretariat, parties and civil society partners to build on the momentum and high ambition from COP26.

The Glasgow Climate Pact, combined with increased ambition across adaptation, finance and mitigation means that 1.5°C remains in sight, but only with concerted and immediate global efforts. So our Presidency year, which started in Glasgow and will end at COP27 in November 2022, will continue to focus on high ambition and driving ambition across our four goals: mitigation, adaptation, finance and collaboration. Through the UK’s Presidency year, we will build on the legacy of the Glasgow Climate Pact.

The Glasgow Climate Pact requests Parties to revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets in their nationally determined contributions as necessary to align with the Paris Agreement temperature goal by the end of 2022, taking into account different national circumstances. We will continue to use the year of our COP26 Presidency to keep up the pressure to deliver on the commitments made and go further and faster.

We will continue to demonstrate strong UK leadership over our Presidency year, working with our COP26 partners Italy, the incoming COP Presidency Egypt, the Chairs of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies, the UNFCCC Secretariat, parties and civil society partners to build on the momentum and high ambition from COP26.

At COP26, all parties agreed to phase down the use of coal. The Glasgow Climate Pact secured its specific mention for the first time ever. The Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement gained 77 signatures from countries, subnationals, and organisations, and the Powering Past Coal Alliance grew to 165 members. The Just Energy Transition Partnership for South Africa was also announced, which will demonstrate the strength of a just transition from coal to clean power.

Consigning coal to history remains a priority for the UK in our COP Presidency year. The UK Presidency will work alongside the Powering Past Coal Alliance, Energy Transition Council, and other international mechanisms to ensure that there is more progress on moving from coal to clean power by COP27. This includes a strategic partnership between the Energy Transition Council and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, a $10 billion fund aiming to deliver clean, renewable energy to 1 billion people in developing countries. Clean power is already cheaper than coal in most of the world, generating more jobs, and giving people cleaner air as well as a safer climate. We want to help all countries access those benefits as soon as possible.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to PQ 61212 on 1 November.

With their links to on-the-ground communities, environmental and climate charities drive change. Their knowledge and leadership is necessary to deliver effective local climate solutions. This is why the COP Unit has a dedicated civil society and youth engagement team which works with environmental and climate charities to amplify the voices of those most impacted by climate change.

The COP President also established an International COP26 Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council. This group met regularly in the run up to COP26. Its insight was fundamental to the planning and delivery of the summit.

With their links to on-the-ground communities, environmental and climate charities drive change. Their knowledge and leadership is necessary to deliver effective local climate solutions. This is why the COP Unit has a dedicated civil society and youth engagement team which works with environmental and climate charities to amplify the voices of those most impacted by climate change.

The COP President also established an International COP26 Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council. This group met regularly in the run up to COP26. Its insight was fundamental to the planning and delivery of the summit.

We have been encouraging all businesses to set science-based emission reduction targets by joining the Race to Zero. This has been one of the requirements for businesses to participate in UK-managed spaces of COP26. Race to Zero members commit to report publicly both progress against interim and long-term targets, as well as the actions being taken, at least annually.

The government has also recently announced three distinct new policies that can help public procurers fully embed net zero into their work. One of these requires suppliers who are bidding on central government contracts (over £5 million p/a in value) to commit to achieving net zero by 2050 and to publish a Carbon Reduction Plan. We are sending a clear signal to the market: data on carbon impact - and immediate ambition to reduce it - will be increasingly important in how we choose to do business.

Guidance has been published by the Health and Safety Executive on ventilation and air conditioning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This, along with the latest Government guidance has been incorporated into the Parliamentary Covid risk assessment.

Carbon Dioxide monitoring has been carried out across the estate in recent months. No readings on the estate have met or exceeded Government thresholds, which would recommend further action be taken. Should any readings exceed recommended levels these would then be managed and mitigated against, in line with other risks, and consulted on in the normal way.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM) are not on the agenda for discussion at COP26. The agenda at COP26 will be determined by mandates as agreed by Parties at previous COPs and adopted by consensus.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) are not on the agenda for COP26. The agenda at COP26 will be determined by mandates as agreed by Parties at previous COPs and adopted by consensus.

The National Church Institutions as part of the DCMS and MHCLG Places of worship Task Force has produced fresh guidance for Parishes to help navigate the current situation. It reflects Government guidance as we move to step 4 of their roadmap as well as that from public health bodies and will continue to be updated as that evolves.

The guidance provided by the National Church Institutions it is hoped will inform local clergy and PCC’s in their decision-making. The circumstances in each parish may differ due to space, age and heath demographic, ability to ventilate the building or a variety of other concerns.

The full guidance can is available here: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance

On 10 June, we published the Together for our Planet Schools Pack which was sent to schools across the UK. The pack is designed to encourage conversations about climate change, engage students on COP26, and help schools celebrate students who are going “One Step Greener” by recycling, walking to school, or taking other steps to tackle climate change. In April, we partnered with Blue Peter to launch a writing competition which asked children to submit a story about something that is affecting our planet today. We will transform the winning work into an animated film which will premiere at COP26 to inspire urgent climate action.

The COP Unit has a dedicated youth engagement team who are working to ensure youth voices are heard at COP26 and in its legacy. I have set up a Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council so that young activists are informing our planning for an inclusive COP26. The UK is also working in partnership with the Italian government Government, who will host the Pre-COP and Youth4Climate event, bringing together 400 young climate leaders from across the world.

As incoming President of COP26 and recently as President of the G7, the UK is putting nature and forests at the heart of our response to tackling climate change.

In the recently published G7 Leaders’ ‘2030 Nature Compact’, we set out a G7 ambition to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to tackle deforestation, including by supporting sustainable supply chains and demonstrating clear domestic action. To achieve this, the UK has brought together agricultural commodity consumer and producer countries in the Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT) dialogue. The UK is also helping to build the LEAF coalition, which aims to mobilise $1 billion in financing, and is expected to become one of the largest ever public-private efforts to protect tropical forests and support sustainable development.

The UK Presidency set out four goals for COP26, outlining what needs to be achieved at the summit. Through COP26, we aim to accelerate climate action by securing global net zero and keeping 1.5 degrees in reach; adapting to protect communities and natural habitats; and mobilising finance. We must also work together to deliver, through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society.

These goals support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13, related to climate action, and SDG 15, protecting forests and halting biodiversity loss. We are working closely with all countries to take action to tackle climate change and to protect our natural habitats.

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive, whole of society COP26, representative of all of the UK. This will be a key objective as we select organisations to be represented in the Green Zone and on the UK Pavilion. Through our domestic ‘Together for our Planet’ campaign we are building awareness and understanding of COP26 across the UK, giving people the chance to get involved in the run-up to the Summit. For example, we recently ran our Creative Earth art competition inviting young people from around the UK to design artwork setting out their vision for the planet, and the winners will be showcased at COP26 in November. We have also encouraged stakeholders who would like to be involved in events or showcasing in UKG managed spaces at COP26 to submit bids through an Expression of Interest process, and we have received proposals from stakeholders from across the UK.

We are working with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive to ensure an inclusive and ambitious summit for the whole of the UK. All parts of the UK will have important roles to play in ensuring the summit’s success. I have invited climate change Ministers from the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive to participate in a regular devolved administrations Group to ensure effective engagement and collaboration on COP26 in support of the delivery of an inclusive and welcoming COP26. The third meeting was held last week.

I also chair the COP26 UK Mayors and Regions Advisory Council with mayors and local leaders from across the UK. The most recent meeting was on 15 March. Additionally, we work closely with several Non-State Actor organisations such as UK100 to further engage with local leaders.

Civil society, with their links to on-the-ground communities and practitioners, are key partners to achieve the goals we have set for COP26. We want to work with civil society to amplify and learn from the voices of those most affected by climate change, to inspire increased climate ambition and to deliver a truly all-of-society and inclusive COP.

This is why I have set up an International COP26 Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council so that we can hear and act on the expertise of civil society groups. I have also committed to, and have been meeting young people and civil society in every country that I visit in the run up to November. Finally, I have a dedicated civil society engagement team in the COP26 Unit to ensure civil society voices are heard at COP26. My officials run regular calls with a large network of civil society organisations to share updates on our planning for COP26.

Supporting employers through robust insights and evidence is at the heart of our commitment to gender equality in the workplace. As the Behavioural Insights Team guidance sets out, if employers clearly communicate the salary range on offer for a role it encourages better informed salary negotiations. There is no formal policy on how employers should communicate salary ranges for job offers but it is clear that transparency and better designed processes contribute to better workplace outcomes.

Supporting employers through robust insights and evidence is at the heart of our commitment to gender equality in the workplace. As the Behavioural Insights Team guidance sets out, if employers clearly communicate the salary range on offer for a role it encourages better informed salary negotiations. There is no formal policy on how employers should communicate salary ranges for job offers but it is clear that transparency and better designed processes contribute to better workplace outcomes.

The review group at Lambeth Palace is working to bring forward proposals to the General Synod for the replacement of the Clergy Discipline Measure. Sadly, because of the pandemic, the public consultations that were planned to take place at the end of 2020 have only just happened. A wide range of individuals and groups have responded to the interim proposals that the Working Group has put forward. The review group are now collating those responses and intend to formulate their proposals into a new piece of legislation. This new Measure will include an early triaging process, an alternative route for mediation, and ensure that adequate resources are made available to make the administration of discipline more efficient and transparent for all involved.

The Church of England's 42 cathedrals contribute over £220million to the national economy and have, on average 10 million visitors in a typical year. The closure of churches and cathedrals due to Covid-19 has severely reduced both their ability to support the local and national economy. Estimates suggest that cathedrals are facing anticipated losses due to the pandemic of around £28million in 2020 and a projected further £15million in 2021.

Cathedrals are eligible and are being encouraged to apply for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, and the Government's £1.57bn Cultural Recovery Fund.

The Church Commissioners have made money available to cathedrals in response to the pandemic, including through the £10 million cathedral sustainability fund, of which £1million is to support cathedrals wage bills, £1million to support Lay Clerks and cathedral music, £1million to support specialist heritage trades and a further £5 million on other projects to make cathedrals more sustainable. The Church Commissioners are currently consulting all cathedrals about their current circumstances and potential future financial and non-financial support needs.

The Church Commissioners do not have responsibility for setting a timetable for the reopening of church buildings for funeral services. Current guidance from the House of Bishops is not to conduct funeral services in church buildings because of widely expressed concerns about parishes having capacity to conduct such funerals safely, including being able to clean churches thoroughly between services to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. This is guidance, not instruction.

We are acutely aware of the anguish of those not able to have or attend a funeral in their parish church in the current circumstances. Where it is requested a priest will be present to conduct a funeral service, either at a crematorium or at the churchyard. The House of Bishops meets regularly to review its guidance which will be updated in line with changing circumstances, and published on the Church of England website.

There is no readily available data on the number of cases of infected blood in each parliamentary constituency.

The Infected Blood Inquiry published a report from its Statistical Expert Group in September 2022, which provides findings on the numbers of infections with HIV, Hepatitis C virus, Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob (vCJD) disease and Hepatitis B. This is a useful insight into the scope of this tragedy and highlights the uncertainty associated with determining the figures of those infected.

There are model policies in place for use by departments on Dispute Resolution and Discipline, which cover all aspects of bullying and harassment, including processes for employees to follow to ensure that Civil Service managers and employees have the right advice and options available to them for raising their concerns, with signposting to the appropriate support. Our model guidance also includes a separate Sexual Harassment policy and guidance.

CSHR have provided guidance and training for investigations being carried out internally in departments to support departments to investigate all issues raised. Processes include specific advice and guidance relating to handling all disputes with specific advice on bullying and harassment complaints.

We provide materials for cross-departmental ‘Speak Up’ campaigns to encourage individuals to come forward to report poor behaviours.

The Civil Service Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 2022-2025 has specific actions to take in continuing to address bullying and harassment within the Civil Service:

(a) review progress made within departments on implementing the recommendations from the 2018 major review by Dame Sue Owen of the Civil Service arrangements for tackling bullying, harassment and discrimination; to identify what more we can do to continue to make progress

(b) develop our central policies around sexual harassment, safeguarding and domestic violence, building on those already in place, along with clear employee assistance routes to support victims.

Activity to deliver on those commitments has begun and is due to be completed within the lifetime of the strategy.

As part of the leadership and management curriculum as set out in Leading to Deliver: A Leadership and Management Prospectus, we are ensuring that inclusion is integral to the design, ensuring that it supports our objectives, setting clear expectations for all leaders and managers at all levels and providing managers with the skills to have challenging conversations and investigate if needed.

We have also recently developed a new course of Civil Service Expectations which sets out expectations of civil servants, covering Civil Service Values, the legislation and the support available for employees.

There are model policies in place for use by departments on Dispute Resolution and Discipline, which cover all aspects of bullying and harassment, including processes for employees to follow to ensure that Civil Service managers and employees have the right advice and options available to them for raising their concerns, with signposting to the appropriate support. Our model guidance also includes a separate Sexual Harassment policy and guidance.

CSHR have provided guidance and training for investigations being carried out internally in departments to support departments to investigate all issues raised. Processes include specific advice and guidance relating to handling all disputes with specific advice on bullying and harassment complaints.

We provide materials for cross-departmental ‘Speak Up’ campaigns to encourage individuals to come forward to report poor behaviours.

The Civil Service Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 2022-2025 has specific actions to take in continuing to address bullying and harassment within the Civil Service:

(a) review progress made within departments on implementing the recommendations from the 2018 major review by Dame Sue Owen of the Civil Service arrangements for tackling bullying, harassment and discrimination; to identify what more we can do to continue to make progress

(b) develop our central policies around sexual harassment, safeguarding and domestic violence, building on those already in place, along with clear employee assistance routes to support victims.

Activity to deliver on those commitments has begun and is due to be completed within the lifetime of the strategy.

As part of the leadership and management curriculum as set out in Leading to Deliver: A Leadership and Management Prospectus, we are ensuring that inclusion is integral to the design, ensuring that it supports our objectives, setting clear expectations for all leaders and managers at all levels and providing managers with the skills to have challenging conversations and investigate if needed.

We have also recently developed a new course of Civil Service Expectations which sets out expectations of civil servants, covering Civil Service Values, the legislation and the support available for employees.

The Prime Minister’s expectations of Ministers are set out in the Ministerial Code, which makes clear that Ministers are expected to maintain high standards of behaviour and to behave in a way that upholds the highest standards of propriety.

The Ministerial Code states that ‘Ministers should be professional in all their dealings and treat all those with whom they come into contact with consideration and respect. Working relationships, including with civil servants, ministerial and parliamentary colleagues and parliamentary staff should be proper and appropriate. Harassing, bullying or other inappropriate or discriminating behaviour wherever it takes place is not consistent with the Ministerial Code and will not be tolerated.’

Pay below the Senior Civil Service is delegated to departments. It is for departments to decide on their pay award and how it is structured in light of their own affordability and priorities, and to negotiate with their trade unions.

The 2022/23 pay remit guidance considers economic conditions while balancing the need for sustainable public finance. The pay remit guidance is a cost control document and allows departments to seek further flexibility for a pay award above the headline range, as demonstrated by pay deals in Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and the Ministry of Justice in previous years.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question of 17 January is attached.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question of 6 January is attached.

I met with the General Secretaries of the FDA, PCS and Prospect trade unions on 22 November 2022 and they have also met senior officials including the Civil Service Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer.

The Cabinet Office is responsible for the pay remit guidance which provides a framework within which all departments will set pay. For grades below the Senior Civil Service, pay awards are made by individual departments and discussed with their trade unions, where separate dispute resolution arrangements will also exist.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question: PQ102902 and PQ102903 are attached.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question: PQ102902 and PQ102903 are attached.

The location for a Government Hub has yet to be agreed but GPA is working collaboratively with Homes England, Network Rail and City of York Council to establish if it should be located at York Central. As in all Government Hubs, this Hub will include a Business Events Centre that will provide some limited conferencing facilities for Government Departments. The local community would not normally have access to a Government Hub.

Facilities in any new build Government Hub will be limited but normally include a cafe and a Business Events Centre, which can be reconfigured to provide flexible spaces for various uses.

The final location for the York Government Hub has yet to be agreed but if it were to be at York Central, GPA would need it completed by 2027.

The location for a Government Hub has yet to be agreed but GPA is working collaboratively with Homes England, Network Rail and City of York Council to establish if it should be located at York Central. As in all Government Hubs, this Hub will include a Business Events Centre that will provide some limited conferencing facilities for Government Departments. The local community would not normally have access to a Government Hub.

Facilities in any new build Government Hub will be limited but normally include a cafe and a Business Events Centre, which can be reconfigured to provide flexible spaces for various uses.

The final location for the York Government Hub has yet to be agreed but if it were to be at York Central, GPA would need it completed by 2027.

The location for a Government Hub has yet to be agreed but GPA is working collaboratively with Homes England, Network Rail and City of York Council to establish if it should be located at York Central. As in all Government Hubs, this Hub will include a Business Events Centre that will provide some limited conferencing facilities for Government Departments. The local community would not normally have access to a Government Hub.

Facilities in any new build Government Hub will be limited but normally include a cafe and a Business Events Centre, which can be reconfigured to provide flexible spaces for various uses.

The final location for the York Government Hub has yet to be agreed but if it were to be at York Central, GPA would need it completed by 2027.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon. Member's Parliamentary Question of 26 October is attached.

Provisions for reviewing decisions made by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman are a matter for the Ombudsman, who publishes information for complainants who believe that such decisions are wrong. The Ombudsman is also accountable to Parliament through the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, who hold an annual scrutiny session to evaluate his performance.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is an office holder, established to provide an independent complaint handling service for complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS and UK Government departments.

The Ombudsman is accountable to Parliament through the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, who hold an annual scrutiny session to evaluate his performance.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is an office holder, established to provide an independent complaint handling service for complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS and UK Government departments.

The Ombudsman is accountable to Parliament through the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, who hold an annual scrutiny session to evaluate his performance.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is an office holder, established to provide an independent complaint handling service for complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS and UK Government departments.

The Ombudsman is accountable to Parliament through the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, who hold an annual scrutiny session to evaluate his performance.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the hon. Member's Parliamentary Question of 8th September is attached.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the hon. Member’s Parliamentary Question of 8 September is attached.

This instruction should, and does, come from the Department for Health and Social Care as the lead department on the Heatwave Plan for England (through the UKHSA) rather than the Cabinet Office. As part of this, their officials and ministers liaise with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Local Communities to share policy guidance for Local Resilience Forums.

UKHSA’s Heatwave Plan for England contains the following:

• “The plan focuses on the effects of severe hot weather on health and well-being, however, severe and extended heatwaves can also cause severe disruption to general services. For this reason, multi-agency Local Health Resilience Partnerships (LHRPs) and Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) will have a critical role in preparing and responding to heatwaves at a local level, working closely with Health and Wellbeing Boards on longer term strategic planning.

• At local level, emergency planning arrangements run by local government and the NHS are brought together in the Local Resilience Forum (LRF), which have many years of experience with heatwave plans and heat-health alert system. LHRPs have been established to bring together the local health sector organisations to support in strategic planning.

• Health Services and local authority commissioners, together with multi-agency LRFs, should satisfy themselves that providers and stakeholders take appropriate actions according to the heat-health alert levels.”

The Heatwave Plan for England also contains resources that provide guidance, recommendations and advice for the public and professionals. Given the health threat and the impacts observed in summer 2021 additional work has been taken forward by UKHSA and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to raise awareness of the health consequences of hot weather and enable professionals, organisations and individuals to plan, mitigate and respond to hot weather episodes effectively. These include:

• Updating the materials related to hot weather risks on the Heatwave Plan for England collection page. These provide sector specific guidance on actions to take during a heatwave to safeguard patients and service users.

• Publishing the 2022 Heatwave communications toolkit and social media assets which have been shared with UKHSA regional communications, cross-government partners and local government to support consistent and clear messaging on heat-health.

Coordinating all of the previously circulated guidance will pose a disproportionate cost.

The Cabinet Office has been overseeing the cross-government response to the current heatwave, running daily COBR meetings and ensuring appropriate situation reporting to inform contingency plans and decision making.

Individual departments are responsible for the preparedness and contingency plans of their sectors, including ensuring that plans are in place to handle the impacts of extreme heat.

The UK Government has activated a number of pre-agreed contingency plans to cope with the current heatwave, using the Met Office’s National Severe Weather Warning service and the UK Health Security Agency’s Heat Health Alerts as triggers for contingency plan implementation. For example, in response to the forecast, the rail network has introduced widespread speed restrictions and the NHS has taken steps outlined in the National Heatwave Plan.

The Government is committed to making sure that these important opportunities are available to talented people across the UK. Work to support this includes a number of virtual and face-to-face events held across the UK and the phased rollout of a new digital system that will make it easier for anyone to apply for these roles. The Cabinet Office also publishes annual data on public appointments diversity. The latest figures, published on 21st October 2021, show that compared to the previous year there were more women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and people from outside London and the South East in these vital roles.

The Procurement Bill will deliver a step change in transparency and openness, with notices mandated for direct awards and publication requirements extended from planning to termination, including contract performance.

A single central platform for contract data will give everyone wider access to procurement information, strengthening the new Procurement Review Unit’s ability to investigate concerns around both awards and transparency.

Regulation 4 of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017 already requires many public authorities to publish, every year, information relating to those of their employees who share a relevant protected characteristic. This helps the authorities to demonstrate their compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The Government is committed to reforming Arm’s-Length Bodies to ensure they are necessary, accountable, efficient and effective. To achieve this vision the Government has launched a Public Body Review Programme. The guidance includes an expectation that:

“All Arm’s-Length Bodies shall, in the management of its workforce:

• Meet its legal obligations as a public sector employer.

• Follow the Public Sector Pay Policy.

• Report their gender pay gap, if meeting the reporting threshold.

• Adhere to diversity action plans in place”.

Additionally, the Cabinet Office has published a new ‘Sponsorship Code of Good Practice’. As part of the Code, Arm’s-Length Bodies are challenged to have a diversity action plan.

The Government regularly tracks and reviews the delivery of its commitments and legislative programme.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the hon. Member’s Parliamentary Question of 29 June is attached.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman is an office holder, established to provide an independent complaint handling service for complaints that have not been resolved by the NHS and UK Government departments.

The Ombudsman is accountable to Parliament through the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, who hold an annual scrutiny session to evaluate his performance.

The government has no plans at this time to introduce an Ombudsman Bill to Parliament.

Whilst the government will consider specific proposals on Ombudsman reform, we do not currently view more large scale Ombudsman reform as a priority for this Parliament.

The Cabinet Office as a department is committed to growth in both York and Glasgow. Cabinet Office jobs, including United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV), are likely to move to a new Hub in York; the location and timing of which has yet to be decided.

In March, the Prime Minister published the draft terms of reference for the public inquiry into COVID-19. The Prime Minister asked Baroness Hallett - the inquiry’s chair - to consult publicly on the draft and to make proposals for further refinements. Following that consultation, Baroness Hallett has now published her recommendations. In accordance with the terms of the Inquiries Act, the Government will now consider her proposals fully, consult the devolved administrations, and will publish the inquiry's final terms of reference in due course.

In March, the Prime Minister published the draft terms of reference for the public inquiry into COVID-19. The Prime Minister asked Baroness Hallett - the inquiry’s chair - to consult publicly on the draft and to make proposals for further refinements. Following that consultation, Baroness Hallett has now published her recommendations. In accordance with the terms of the Inquiries Act, the Government will now consider her proposals fully, consult the devolved administrations, and will publish the inquiry's final terms of reference in due course.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Wirral South during my oral statement on 25 May. And in addition to the apology I made in my statement, I have personally spoken and apologised to members of staff affected.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Wirral South during my oral statement on 25 May. And in addition to the apology I made in my statement, I have personally spoken and apologised to members of staff affected.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the hon. Member’s Parliamentary Question of 17 May is attached.

Decisions on the location of Parliament, and how to proceed with the Parliamentary Restoration and Renewal Programme, are for Parliament.

The Government has an aspiration that all parts of the United Kingdom should feel connected to politics and indeed to politicians. Levelling up is a moral, social and economic programme for the whole of government. As part of the Place for Growth programme, the Government has previously engaged with the York Central Partnership and explored whether the space would allow for Parliamentary activity, should it be required.

Decisions on the location of Parliament, and how to proceed with the Parliamentary Restoration and Renewal Programme, are for Parliament.

The Government has an aspiration that all parts of the United Kingdom should feel connected to politics and indeed to politicians. Levelling up is a moral, social and economic programme for the whole of government. As part of the Place for Growth programme, the Government has previously engaged with the York Central Partnership and explored whether the space would allow for Parliamentary activity, should it be required.

Removing peerages would require bespoke primary legislation. The Government currently has no plans to bring forward such legislation.

Changes to the list of those who are Counsellors of State would require amending the Regency Act 1937, which the Government currently has no plans to do.

Removing peerages would require bespoke primary legislation. The Government currently has no plans to bring forward such legislation.

Changes to the list of those who are Counsellors of State would require amending the Regency Act 1937, which the Government currently has no plans to do.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the hon. Member’s Parliamentary Question of 22 February is attached.

The Government has previously engaged with the York Central Partnership and, as part of this, explored whether the space would allow for Parliamentary activity, should it be required. The location of Parliament is a matter for Parliament.

The Government has previously engaged with the York Central Partnership and, as part of this, explored whether the space would allow for Parliamentary activity, should it be required. The location of Parliament is a matter for Parliament.

COVID-19 has affected the conference centre market so it has not been possible to establish if a national Government conference centre in York is viable. The situation will continue to be monitored and reviewed at a later date.

The Cabinet Office investigation is being funded from the Cabinet Office existing core administration budget for the financial year 2021/2022.

In that context, such information is not recorded within the Cabinet Office's financial or management information systems.

The Cabinet Office investigation is being funded from the Cabinet Office existing core administration budget for the financial year 2021/2022.

In that context, such information is not recorded within the Cabinet Office's financial or management information systems.

Public sector organisations holding any land or buildings are encouraged continuously to review their property portfolio to see whether any of their assets might become surplus to requirements. The details of government property for sale or rent can be found on Government Property Finder on GOV.UK.

Civil society organisations can identify any property in which they have an interest and contact the relevant department to discuss the possibility of a purchase.

Members of the public also have the option to challenge government organisations to sell land or property in their locality if they believe it is not needed and could be put to better economic use through the Right to Contest process.

As part of the Levelling Up White Paper, the UK Government has committed to developing a Strategy for Community Spaces and Relationships. As part of this, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will review existing community asset frameworks which enable communities to protect local spaces.

The £150m Community Ownership Fund is already helping communities across the UK to protect valued local assets at risk of loss. Since July 2021, community groups have been able to bid for support from the Community Ownership Fund, for up to £250k in matched funding, or in exceptional cases up to £1m, to help them buy or take over assets for the local community.

The EU Secretariat in Cabinet Office is responsible for UK-EU relations and implementation of the TCA. At full capacity, there are 86 members of staff. Additionally, the Cabinet Office employs 59 people in the NI Protocol Taskforce who work on related matters.

On 12 May 2021, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry into Covid-19 will be established on a statutory basis, with formal powers, and that it will begin its work in Spring 2022.

The Prime Minister has appointed the Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett as the chair of the inquiry. Draft terms of reference will be published in due course, following consultation with Baroness Hallett and ministers from the devolved administrations.

As set out in the Prime Minister’s statement on 15 December, Baroness Hallett will then lead the public consultation, including with bereaved families and other affected groups, before the terms of reference are finalised.

Whilst the Government supports the approach of encouraging further retirements, it remains the case that some new members are essential to keep the expertise and outlook of the Lords fresh. This will ensure the Lords continues to fulfil its role in scrutinising and revising legislation, whilst respecting the primacy of the Commons and the associated conventions between the two Houses.

The Government’s 2019 manifesto committed to looking at the role of the Lords, but any reform needs to be considered carefully and any changes should not be brought forward piecemeal.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

Letter from the National Statistician

Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician

9 November 2021

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking about plans to record the causation of excess deaths in winter 2021-22; and whether COVID-19, influenza and community or hospital acquired pneumonia will be separately identified in those statistics (69656).

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports on ‘Excess Winter Mortality for England and Wales’ [1] annually. Excess winter mortality is estimated by comparing the winter months of December to March with the average of the four-month periods before and after. The next report on excess winter mortality is due for release on 26 November 2021, and will provide final estimates for the 2019 to 2020 winter period and provisional estimates for the 2020 to 2021 winter period. Corresponding figures for winter 2021/22 will be published in autumn 2022.

The data published on excess winter mortality will include estimates both including and excluding COVID-19. The provisional estimates for winter 2020/21 will include a specific estimate for deaths with an underlying cause of COVID-19 and new breakdowns by place of death. Cause of death groupings reported in addition to COVID-19 will be respiratory diseases, Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, circulatory diseases, and injury and poisoning.

Separately, the regular report on ‘Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales’ [2] allows excess deaths each week to be calculated relative to the average for the corresponding week in the years 2015-19. Weekly figures are provided for deaths by all causes aggregated, and for respiratory diseases, influenza and pneumonia, and COVID-19. The information held by the ONS is based on the particulars recorded in the process of death registration, and does not specify the place where an infectious disease was acquired.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

1. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/excesswintermortalityinenglandandwales/previousReleases

2. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/latest

(a) The Cabinet Office has committed to increasing its presence from c. 400 to c. 600 in York. This will be a mix of Senior Civil Service and delegated grades covering a range of professions such as HR, Commercial, Policy, Security, Finance, Project Delivery and Operational Delivery. All jobs will move to the new hub, the location and timing of which has yet to be decided.

(b) Cabinet Office jobs are likely to move to a new Hub; the location and timing of which has yet to be decided.

By embedding climate change in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, we are ensuring that supporting clean growth and taking global action to tackle climate change is joined up with our support for business to invest, innovate and grow. We were the first major economy in the world to set net zero by 2050 in law. And as hosts of COP26 we are working with countries and partners from around the world to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change so that we can recover cleaner, rebuild greener and restore our planet.

The Government Property Agency (GPA) has been considering York Central as a possible location given its proximity to the station and government ownership by Homes England and Network Rail. There will be a formal announcement of location once all available options have been considered and a commercial deal agreed.

In February 2021, the Government Property Agency (GPA) considered establishing a conference centre in York. As part of this ongoing work, a number of aspects are being considered more broadly, including commercial considerations.

The Government is committed to high standards of workers’ rights and environmental protections. The initiative referred to by the hon. Member is about ensuring that we have a regulatory environment which is the right fit for the UK as an independent nation.

The Government is committed to high standards of workers’ rights and environmental protections. The initiative referred to by the hon. Member is about ensuring that we have a regulatory environment which is the right fit for the UK as an independent nation.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.

Further details will be set out in due course.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.

Further details will be set out in due course.

I refer the hon. Member to the statement given by the Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment on 22 July 2021.

England moved to step 4 of the roadmap on 19 July following a full assessment of the data against the four tests for easing restrictions. Moving to step 4 on 19 July means that the easing of restrictions coincides with the end of the school term, takes place over the summer when more activities can take place outdoors, and pressures on the NHS are less than in the autumn and winter months.

The Government will retain contingency measures to respond to unexpected events, while accepting that further cases, hospitalisations and deaths will occur as the country learns to live with COVID-19. The Government will continue to monitor the data on a regular basis to ensure there is no danger of the NHS facing unsustainable pressure; work with local authorities and provide national support to local areas that need an enhanced response to COVID-19; and maintain contingency plans for reimposing economic and social restrictions at a local, regional or national level if evidence suggests they are necessary to suppress or manage a dangerous variant. Such measures would only be reintroduced as a last resort to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) now sits within the Government Security Group in Cabinet Office. The Cabinet Office is committed to growth in both York and Glasgow. The majority of new roles within UKSV will be advertised in York and Glasgow although some specialised roles may be advertised elsewhere, for example such as in Milton Keynes, an original FCO location.

In September, the Government will undertake a review to assess the country’s preparedness for autumn and winter, which will consider whether to continue or strengthen public and business guidance as we approach the winter, including on face coverings and test, trace and isolate, and will review the remaining regulations.

The Government will maintain contingency plans for reimposing economic and social restrictions at a local, regional or national level if evidence suggests they are necessary to suppress or manage a dangerous variant. Such measures would only be re-introduced as a last resort to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

The use of fixed terms in elections to the Scottish Parliament and Senedd Cymru is a devolved matter and for the Devolved Administrations in Scotland and Wales to consider. The fixed terms set for Northern Ireland Assembly elections are not a devolved matter and there are currently no plans to change the law.

The UK Government continues to engage with the Scottish and Welsh Administrations, as well as considering the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland, with regards to any impact of the departure from fixed terms in the UK Parliament on the administration of elections in devolved areas.

In September, the Government will undertake a review to assess the country’s preparedness for autumn and winter, which will consider whether to continue or strengthen public and business guidance as we approach the winter, including on face coverings and test, trace and isolate, and will review the remaining regulations.

The Government will maintain contingency plans for reimposing economic and social restrictions at a local, regional or national level if evidence suggests they are necessary to suppress or manage a dangerous variant. Such measures would only be re-introduced as a last resort to prevent unsustainable pressure on the NHS.

On 12 July, the Government announced we would proceed to step 4 after assessing the data against the four tests. The decisions as to whether the four tests were passed was based on an analysis of a range of information and the conclusion drawn will be in line with advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

Data is regularly shared publicly via the COVID Dashboard, which can be accessed at the following link.

I refer the hon. Member to my response on 28 June 2021.

I refer the hon. Member to my response on 28 June 2021.

The cross-government COVID-19 public information campaign is our primary method for communicating what businesses and the public need to do to keep safe, stop the spread of the virus and protect the NHS. Cabinet Office continuously monitors effectiveness of our communications and gains insight on public awareness to maximise impact. Our campaign has reached 95% of adults on average 17 times per week. Regular communication has maintained high levels of public engagement for over 15 months, with an average of 84% aware of and up to 82% trusting in the information in government advertising. Up to 90% of people have also adopted key behaviours, such as opening their windows to let fresh air in when they have visitors over.

The Government will continue to make every effort to communicate the latest COVID-19 policy and guidance as clearly and simply as possible. All updated guidance is also published on GOV.UK.

The Government announced a four-week pause at Step 3 of the roadmap following an assessment of the data against the four tests.

After carefully considering the potential impacts, on 14 June the Government announced that there will no longer be a maximum number cap for attendees at wedding and civil partnerships, and receptions set out in law. From 21 June, the number of attendees at weddings, civil partnerships and receptions will be determined by how many people the venue or space can safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place.

The changes allow people to celebrate their union with their families and loved ones, and aligns the wedding sector with the way most other COVID Secure venues operate - such as restaurants and pubs - where social distancing determines a venue’s capacity. Additionally, changes also bring commemorative events, such as wakes, in line with existing rules on funerals so people can say goodbye to those they have lost.

This change does not enable a wedding of any size to take place. To manage the risks around the virus the exact number of attendees will be based on the COVID-19 risk assessment of each venue or outdoor space, and measures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

At Step 3, social distancing and COVID-secure rules apply to all businesses, venues and workplaces. While we feel it is safe to make some easements, we have not made the decision to move to Step 4. We will only lift remaining restrictions on weddings, civil partnerships and commemorative events when the decision is taken to move to the next stage of the roadmap. We know this pause will be disappointing to many people, including those planning weddings and other events, but we hope that these cautious changes will enable some more people to attend these special events.

We have published extensive guidance on wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations on GOV.UK, which can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-wedding-and-civil-partnership-ceremonies-receptions-and-celebrations

On 12 July, the Government announced we would proceed to step 4 after assessing the data against the four tests.

I refer the hon. Member to the guidance for Moving to step 4 of the roadmap.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been guided by data and scientific advice and have acted quickly and decisively to save lives and livelihoods.

Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed to this House that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.

Further details, including terms of reference, will be set out in due course.

Throughout the pandemic, senior ministers, including the Prime Minister, have met and will continue to meet with bereaved families.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been guided by data and scientific advice and have acted quickly and decisively to save lives and livelihoods.

Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed to this House that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.

Further details, including terms of reference, will be set out in due course.

Throughout the pandemic, senior ministers, including the Prime Minister, have met and will continue to meet with bereaved families.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been guided by data and scientific advice and have acted quickly and decisively to save lives and livelihoods.

Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed to this House that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.

Further details, including terms of reference, will be set out in due course.

Throughout the pandemic, senior ministers, including the Prime Minister, have met and will continue to meet with bereaved families.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been guided by data and scientific advice and have acted quickly and decisively to save lives and livelihoods.

Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed to this House that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.

Further details, including terms of reference, will be set out in due course.

Throughout the pandemic, senior ministers, including the Prime Minister, have met and will continue to meet with bereaved families.

Throughout the pandemic, we have been guided by data and scientific advice and have acted quickly and decisively to save lives and livelihoods.

Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones.

On 12 May, the Prime Minister confirmed to this House that a public inquiry into COVID-19 would be established on a statutory basis, with full formal powers, and that it will begin its work in spring 2022.

Further details, including terms of reference, will be set out in due course.

Throughout the pandemic, senior ministers, including the Prime Minister, have met and will continue to meet with bereaved families.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

The Events Research Programme aims to examine the risk of transmission of Covid-19 from attendance at events and explore ways to enable people to attend a range of events safely. To achieve this, the programme will explore how a combination of testing and non-pharmaceutical interventions (actions that people can take to mitigate the spread of coronavirus) can inform decisions on safely lifting restrictions at events from Step 4. The initial research pilots have already started and are taking place throughout May.

At Step 4, which will be no earlier than 21 June, the Government aims to remove all limits on weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, subject to the outcome of the Events Research Programme and the Social Distancing Review. Further guidance will be issued ahead of Step 4.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

The Government Property Agency recently studied the feasibility of locating a Government Conference Centre in York to provide an appropriate venue in the North of England to host international summits and conferences for the G7, G20 and Nato. An update will be provided in due course.

Students should complete the household or individual census questionnaires depending on whether or not they have a different address at term time. Both questionnaires contain the voluntary question on gender identity.

The Electoral Commission works with police forces to collect data on the number of allegations and cases of electoral fraud and publishes the data on its website.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides for a Civil Society Forum - composed of a balanced representation of UK and EU business and civil society groups - to discuss the implementation of the trade, transport and fisheries part of the Agreement.

We expect to agree with the EU at the Partnership Council the operational guidelines for the conduct of this Forum, and work with the EU to facilitate its first meeting this year.

We will of course continue to engage with business and civil society in the usual way, including on issues relating to TCA implementation.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.

As outlined in both the answer to PQ 179241 on 15 April and in the oral contribution of 25 March, Cabinet Office Ministers have consistently informed the House of the Government’s commitment to relocating roles to regions and nations of the UK. More detailed plans for growth in York will be set out in due course.

Places for Growth was established to contribute towards the government’s levelling up aims and commits to relocating 22,000 civil service roles from central London to the regions and nations of the UK by the end of the decade.

The Government wants to increase senior policy and decision making roles in all regions and nations of the UK and therefore all UK Civil Service roles are in scope to relocate. Thorough workforce and location analysis will inform departments decisions, helping them to select places that have the skills and capacity to meet their needs and flourish in their chosen locations.

Plans for growth in York will be announced by the Cabinet Office in due course.

Places for Growth was established to contribute towards the government’s levelling up aims and commits to relocating 22,000 civil service roles from central London to the regions and nations of the UK by the end of the decade.

The Government wants to increase senior policy and decision making roles in all regions and nations of the UK and therefore all UK Civil Service roles are in scope to relocate. Thorough workforce and location analysis will inform departments decisions, helping them to select places that have the skills and capacity to meet their needs and flourish in their chosen locations.

Plans for growth in York will be announced by the Cabinet Office in due course.

The Government’s recently published ‘Covid-19 Response - Spring 2021’ sets out the sequencing and indicative timing for easing restrictions in the coming months. Guidance for businesses as we progress through the roadmap can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will publish further COVID-Secure guidance as the economy reopens.

In addition, throughout the pandemic, I have hosted regular calls for Honourable Members to provide updates and respond to queries on the Government’s response to the pandemic. My colleagues in other departments also host regular calls for Members which provide opportunities to raise constituency concerns.

These calls are in addition to the regular statements, debates and correspondence channels that are available to Members. We will continue to keep all engagement under review.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ73093 on 21 July 2020. Further details will be announced in due course.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ73093 on 21 July 2020. Further details will be announced in due course.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

We want to reach an agreement and we believe there is still time. We will continue to work hard to achieve it.

The eighth round of negotiations began on 8 September and we hope to make quick progress on an agreement based on our reasonable proposal for a standard free trade agreement, like the one the EU has agreed with Canada and so many others.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The Prime Minister wrote to the CEOs of the Sponsor Body and Delivery Authority requesting that the strategic review of the Restoration and Renewal Programme give consideration to decant locations outside of London, including York. The Government looks forward to the findings of the strategic review. It will be Parliament that will take the final decision on how to proceed.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The Government is strongly supportive of the community radio sector and recognises the great value that it offers to communities across the UK.

In response to COVID-19, the Government has developed a national campaign to provide information, guidance and reassurance to the public.

The campaign utilises a wide range of channels to maximise reach and engagement and to ensure our messaging reaches as many people as possible. This includes the use of paid-for advertising on community radio. We currently work with over 35 community radio stations on a weekly basis.

On 19 May the Government published our draft legal texts, which have previously been shared with the EU negotiating team.

These twelve documents cover the full set of negotiating texts, including a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement as well as side agreements.

We have decided to publish these now as a constructive contribution to the negotiations to ensure they are available to all and to enable the Commission to share the texts with the Member States, in case helpful.

The UK and EU have engaged in three full and constructive negotiating rounds. Discussions covered all workstreams including trade in goods and services.

Discussions also showed that a standard Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement could be agreed without major difficulties in the time available.

A Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS245) made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 May updated the progress of negotiations.

A Plan To Rebuild, the Government's COVID-19 Recovery Strategy, is published on gov.uk and includes details on plans for weddings.

Scientific advice and analysis have underpinned the Government's policy making in the development of current social distancing measures and our recently published strategy. A wide range of advice and analysis was considered to inform the most recent review of measures announced by the Prime Minister in May.

In previous emergencies, such as the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, papers were published only at the end of the emergency. By contrast, in recognition of the importance of transparency in these unprecedented times, SAGE has been publishing statements and accompanying evidence to demonstrate how the scientific understanding of COVID-19 has continued to evolve as new data emerges, and how SAGE’s advice has adapted to findings that reflect a changing situation. The documents are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/scientific-advisory-group-for-emergencies-sage-coronavirus-covid-19-response. This list will be updated as SAGE releases further papers.

It is vital that our response to COVID-19 takes account of the different needs of people depending on their circumstances. The government has fulfilled its requirements stemming from the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) for all elements of its response to COVID-19.

The Government pays due regard to the equality impacts of its policy decisions, in line with legal requirements. There are internal procedural requirements and support in place for ensuring that such considerations inform decisions taken by Ministers.

The Government also fulfilled its requirements in relation to the Coronavirus Restrictions Regulations which were brought into force 23 March 2020, as well as for subsequent changes to the policy.

It is vital that key information is accessible to all. Since the daily press briefings began, British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation has been available on the national broadcaster. The BBC provides BSL interpretation at the daily No10 press conference via its News channel, Youtube channel and iPlayer. This is available free to air.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The data contained in the previous answer has been identified as incorrect. I have asked the UK Statistics Authority to provide an updated response.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) funds enforcement at the border to prevent millions of unsafe goods entering the UK and reaching consumers. In 2021-22, OPSS-funded local authority teams denied entry to around 2.5 million unsafe or non-compliant products.

OPSS publishes details of all enforcement actions it has taken on gov.uk every six months, including prosecutions.

Local Authority Trading Standards also have powers to undertake prosecutions for product safety offences.

All products must comply with the essential safety requirements before they can be legally placed on the market. We do not have an estimate of the proportion of imported electronic goods sold online that meet UK safety requirements. However, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), has prioritised activities to target unsafe products sold online including by requiring recalls and takedowns and, where necessary, taking enforcement action to prevent unsafe products being available to UK consumers.

The Government is also consulting on proposals that will modernise responsibilities in online supply chains as part of the Product Safety Review.

Through the Office for Product Safety and Standards as the national product regulator, my Department engages regularly with online marketplaces to help ensure the safety of products sold online. This includes take downs and recalls based on intelligence, including from test purchases.

Senior officials and I have held meetings with the major on-line marketplaces demanding they take more action to fulfil their responsibilities for supplying safe goods. The Government is currently consulting on a Product Safety Review, including proposals to modernise responsibilities in online supply chains.

The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is a conformity marking to show manufactured products comply with the appropriate requirements to be placed onto Great Britain’s market. UKCA is not intended as a consumer marking. My officials are developing the Government’s future approach to UKCA, alongside extensive engagement with external stakeholders.

Furthermore, our recently published Product Safety Review consultation contains proposals for increased consumer information on online product listings. This could include, for example, warnings to consumers, clear indications of whether the product has been listed by a third-party seller, and details of which checks have been carried out on the product.

Any form of bullying and harassment is unacceptable and has no place in today’s workplace.

The Government has published guidance on the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees on a variety of employment matters, including managing sickness absence and the return to work. Acas has recently updated its guidance on how to deal with bullying in the workplace. This includes how to best support an employee’s mental health and wellbeing, and is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/bullying-at-work

Any form of bullying and harassment is unacceptable and has no place in today’s workplace.

Bullying is not itself illegal, and the Government believes that the best way to address bad behaviour in the workplace is through cultural change.

The Government has published guidance that sets out the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees and has recently updated its guidance on how to deal with bullying in the workplace. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/bullying-at-work

My Department monitors high street economic activity closely. Sales data from BDO High Street tracker^[1] show that total in-store sales grew 5.1% in June 2023, driven by strong fashion sales (+7.2%), with in-store sales now 14.8% above June 2022 levels. Data from the British Retail Consortium^[2] show that high-street footfall increased by 0.6% in June 2023 compared with the same month in the previous year, up from -0.5% in May.

ONS data^[3] show that in 2022, both the hospitality and retail sectors had a business death rate of 15%.^[4] More recently, business deaths increased in hospitality (+44%) and retail (+20%) in Quarter 1 2023 compared with the previous quarter. However, business creations in both sectors also increased over the same period, with creations in the hospitality and retail sectors up 30% and 16% respectively.

Government recognises the pressures faced by high street businesses, which is why the Autumn Statement 2022 announced a package of changes to business rates worth £13.6bn over the next 5 years in lower bills. This is in addition to the Energy Bills Discount Scheme.

[1] https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/high-street-sales-tracker/previous-reports

[2] https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/footfall-slowed-during-june-heatwave/

[3]https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/activitysizeandlocation/datasets/businessdemographyquarterlyexperimentalstatisticsuk

[4] Business deaths as the proportion of the total number of businesses in each sector. Business counts data taken from ONS business counts data here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/activitysizeandlocation/datasets/ukbusinessactivitysizeandlocation

Bullying and harassment are unacceptable and have no place in today’s workplace.

Bullying is not itself illegal, and the Government believes that the best way to address bad behaviour in the workplace is through cultural change.

The Government has published guidance on the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work. This explains that anti-bullying and harassment policies can help prevent problems and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees and has published guidance for employers on preventing and handling bullying, harassment and discrimination complaints at work. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/handling-a-bullying-harassment-discrimination-complaint.

Bullying and harassment are unacceptable and have no place in today’s workplace.

Bullying is not itself illegal, and the Government believes that the best way to address bad behaviour in the workplace is through cultural change.

The Government has published guidance on the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work. This explains that anti-bullying and harassment policies can help prevent problems and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees and has published guidance for employers on preventing and handling bullying, harassment and discrimination complaints at work. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/handling-a-bullying-harassment-discrimination-complaint.

Bullying and harassment are unacceptable and have no place in today’s workplace.

Bullying is not itself illegal, and the Government believes that the best way to address bad behaviour in the workplace is through cultural change.

The Government has published guidance on the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work. This explains that anti-bullying and harassment policies can help prevent problems and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees and has published guidance for employers on preventing and handling bullying, harassment and discrimination complaints at work. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/handling-a-bullying-harassment-discrimination-complaint.

Bullying and harassment are unacceptable and have no place in today’s workplace.

Bullying is not itself illegal, and the Government believes that the best way to address bad behaviour in the workplace is through cultural change.

The Government has published guidance on the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work. This explains that anti-bullying and harassment policies can help prevent problems and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees and has published guidance for employers on preventing and handling bullying, harassment and discrimination complaints at work. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/handling-a-bullying-harassment-discrimination-complaint.

The Government has published guidance on the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees and has published guidance on discrimination, bullying and harassment, available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/discrimination-bullying-and-harassment

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published a statutory code of practice covering the law on discrimination and harassment at work, available at: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/publication-download/employment-statutory-code-practice

The Equality Advisory and Support Service, provides free bespoke advice, in-depth support and alternative informal dispute resolution to individuals with discrimination concerns, available at: www.equalityadvisoryservice.com.

The department does not conduct research on the scale and impact of workplace bullying, including online.

Acas has published independent research which estimates the cost of workplace conflict more broadly. This measured conflicts at various stages and goes further than just bullying and harassment, including costs of mediation, absences and reduced productivity. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/estimating-the-costs-of-workplace-conflict-report.

The department does not conduct research on the scale and impact of workplace bullying, including online.

Acas has published independent research which estimates the cost of workplace conflict more broadly. This measured conflicts at various stages and goes further than just bullying and harassment, including costs of mediation, absences and reduced productivity. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/estimating-the-costs-of-workplace-conflict-report.

The department does not conduct research on the scale and impact of workplace bullying, including online.

Acas has published independent research which estimates the cost of workplace conflict more broadly. This measured conflicts at various stages and goes further than just bullying and harassment, including costs of mediation, absences and reduced productivity. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/estimating-the-costs-of-workplace-conflict-report.

The department does not conduct research on the scale and impact of workplace bullying, including the impact on levels of bullying in schools and other environments.

All schools are legally required to have a behaviour policy with measures to prevent all forms of bullying and have the freedom to develop their own anti-bullying strategies and monitoring approaches to best suit their environment.

There has been a significant level of inflation in the price of construction products and materials, as a result of the impact of the pandemic on supply chains, and then the increase in the cost of energy and other disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Government continues to work with the industry to monitor and mitigate the impact of inflation, including through the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC’s) Product Availability Group. The ONS also publishes monthly statistics on the price of products and materials.

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is an independent and expert body that makes annual recommendations to Government on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) . Every year, the LPC undertake extensive research and consultation and considers the wider impacts from changes to the minimum wage.

The youth labour market is more sensitive to economic shocks, and young people can be exposed to longer-term scarring effects of unemployment. So we’re rightly more cautious for this group and do not want to harm the young workers whom the policy is intended to benefit.

Finally, the Apprentice NMW is set at a rate which acknowledges the particular costs for employers and benefits for young people involved in providing apprenticeships.

The certification officer is responsible for regulating trade union finance and governance but has no locus in relation to industrial action.

There are a range of steps that trade unions could take, and what is considered reasonable will depend on each specific situation. However, a trade union should not call a union member identified in a work notice as required to work on a particular day out on strike that day. The trade union could also encourage those individual members to comply with the work notice and make it clear in their general communication with members that where members are named in a work notice, and therefore required to work on a particular day, they should attend work on that strike day.

Information on company insolvencies is sourced from Companies House, which holds information on companies only, not all business types. Furthermore, the registered office address for a company may not be its trading location, and is often the address of the appointed Insolvency Practitioner handling the case.

Subject to these caveats, numbers of company insolvencies in the requested locations were:

The numbers of individuals who entered bankruptcy were:

Numbers for 2023 form part of Official Statistics to be published in March/April 2024. The latest release can be found at Individual Insolvencies by Location, Age and Gender, England and Wales, 2022.

Government recognises the pressures faced by businesses because of increased rates, which is why the Autumn Statement 2022 announced a package of changes to business rates worth £13.6bn over the next 5 years in lower bills. This includes a freeze to the multiplier, scrapping the downward revaluation cap and extending and increasing the generosity of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief from 50% to 75% in 2023-24.

This is in addition to the Energy Bills Discount Scheme; the increased Employment Allowance of £5,000 and setting the Annual Investment Allowance at £1 million permanently. This is a comprehensive package of support that will help protect high street businesses.

The Government was pleased to support the Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act, which received Royal Assent on 24 May.

The ensuing regulations will provide additional redundancy protection from the point a woman tells her employer she is pregnant, through to 18 months after the child is born.

The Government continues to work with the Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination Advisory Board to address these issues, and to improve the available guidance so women understand their rights and employers understand their responsibilities

The UK’s flexible labour market enables workers to participate in the workforce in a way that suits their circumstances. Being able to work reduced hours can be critical in helping people to access, stay and progress in work while also managing other commitments and priorities. The Part-time Worker Regulations protect part-time workers from being treated less favourably than equivalent full-time workers just because they are part-time, including on pay. The government expects all businesses to comply with these regulations.

We have not made an assessment of the impact of home or remote working policies on the gender pay gap specifically.

The gender pay gap for all employees has been falling over time. The gap was 14.9% in 2022, and remains lower than the pre-covid period, where it stood at 17.4% in 2019.

The Government is clear that any form of bullying and harassment is unacceptable and has no place in today’s workplace.

The Government has published guidance that sets out the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work. This guidance sets out that anti-bullying and harassment policies can help prevent problems and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Bullying is not itself illegal, and the Government believes that the best way to address bad behaviour in the workplace is through cultural change.

The Government considers that the resolution of workplace disputes is a matter for the parties involved. The Government has established a dispute resolution framework to enable the resolution of workplace disputes as early as possible.

Where there is a collective dispute between an employer and their employees, represented by a trade union, the Government believes that strikes should be a last resort. It is better to resolve disputes through dialogue wherever possible. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) stands ready to assist the parties in reaching an agreement, where they both accept its involvement.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill will come into force on the day on which the Act is passed. The Government does not intend to delay this however minimum service levels in a particular sector will not come into force until secondary legislation is passed by Parliament, giving employers sufficient time to consider before implementation.

Guidance titled ‘Industrial action and the law: a guide for employees, trade unions members, and others’ is available on Gov.UK

This guidance sets out, amongst other things, the consequences for employees of taking industrial action and what recourse they have should they be dismissed by their employer.

Protecting and enhancing workers’ rights whilst supporting business to grow remains a priority for this government.

The 2019 manifesto pledged changes to enhance workers' rights and support people to stay in work. The Government is supporting six Private Members Bills, which will deliver on these commitments – helping new parents, unpaid carers, and hospitality workers, giving all employees easier access to flexible working, and giving workers’ a right to request a more predictable working pattern.

Potential relevant impacts of the Bill on levels of safety and industrial relations will be considered as part of the Impact Assessments that will accompany each set of regulations that implement minimum service levels, drawing on evidence collected through the consultations on minimum service levels.

The Government has published guidance setting out the flexibility that employers and workers have when booking annual leave. Where possible workers should agree their holiday dates in advance, giving twice the amount of notice as the amount of leave they want to take. Employers can refuse annual leave requests at certain times with good reason, however they cannot refuse to let workers take their leave at all. If an employer needs a worker to take holiday on certain dates, they should tell them at least twice as many days before as the number of days they need a worker to take.

The Government published its Post Implementation Review of the 2014 Flexible Working Regulations[1] in September 2021. The review concluded that the Regulations were having a positive impact and highlighted numerous benefits for working parents, including how reduced working hours are associated with lower chronic stress for parents with young children.

Better supporting parents to return and remain in work is one of the reasons why the Government is supporting the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill[2] and has committed to make the right to request flexible working a day one right.

[1] Post Implementation Review – 2014 Flexible Working Regulations https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1398/resources

[2] Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill

https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3198

British business has an outstanding reputation for corporate responsibility, with 10 of the world’s top 100 companies ranked by social responsibility based in the UK. These companies thrive within the UK’s world leading corporate reporting and governance frameworks. For example, the Companies Act 2006 requires directors to have regard to the environment, employees, customers, and suppliers, among other matters. Larger companies are required to report how directors have had regard to these matters when taking decisions to promote companies’ success. This is in addition to requirements to disclose information relating to social matters, human rights and corruption within annual reports.

The Government’s ‘Help to Grow’ scheme is helping small and medium sized (SME) businesses across the UK learn new skills, reach more customers and boost profits and productivity.

Furthermore, the 38 Growth Hubs (led and governed by Local Enterprise Partnerships) provide all businesses, regardless of size or sector, with advice support via a free, impartial, “single point of contact”.

They simplify the local business support landscape, bringing together organisations involved in the provision of business support from across the public and private sectors to develop and deliver integrated national and local business-facing programmes, services, and campaigns.

Any form of bullying and harassment is unacceptable and has no place in today’s workplace.

The Government is supporting the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill introduced by the Hon Member for Bath. This Bill will strengthen protections for employees against workplace harassment.

While bullying is not itself illegal, the Government believes that the best way to address bad behaviour in the workplace is through cultural change.

The Government has published guidance that sets out the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees and has published guidance on how to deal with bullying in the workplace. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/if-youre-treated-unfairly-at-work/being-bullied.

Any form of bullying and harassment is unacceptable and has no place in today’s workplace.

The Government is supporting the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill introduced by the Hon Member for Bath. This Bill will strengthen protections for employees against workplace harassment.

While bullying is not itself illegal, the Government believes that the best way to address bad behaviour in the workplace is through cultural change.

The Government has published guidance that sets out the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees and has published guidance on how to deal with bullying in the workplace. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/if-youre-treated-unfairly-at-work/being-bullied.

Any form of bullying and harassment is unacceptable and has no place in today’s workplace.

The Government is supporting the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill introduced by the Hon Member for Bath. This Bill will strengthen protections for employees against workplace harassment.

While bullying is not itself illegal, the Government believes that the best way to address bad behaviour in the workplace is through cultural change.

The Government has published guidance that sets out the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

Acas provides free and impartial advice for employers and employees and has published guidance on how to deal with bullying in the workplace. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/if-youre-treated-unfairly-at-work/being-bullied.

There is evidence that discrimination, bullying and disrespect are triggers of loneliness. In the coming months the Government will publish the fourth annual report on the loneliness strategy, including a commitment to engage with the APPG for Tackling Loneliness and Connecting Communities on their recent inquiry into workplace loneliness.

The Government has published guidance that sets out the steps that employees can take if they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service has published useful guidance on how to deal with bullying in the workplace. This is available at: https://www.acas.org.uk/if-youre-treated-unfairly-at-work/being-bullied.

Building on the legacy of the UK's COP26 Presidency and leadership on net zero, the Government's aim is to work with international partners to deliver a COP outcome that puts the world on track to keep 1.5 degrees within reach. The Government wants to see ambitious action across all pillars of the Paris agreement (finance, mitigation and adaptation) and will provide a more detailed statement ahead of COP28.

A direct comparison of costs against the three comparators has not been undertaken but there is data available on the costs of electricity generation, hydrogen and geothermal on GOV.UK.

The British Geological Survey conducted in 2020 identified York and Harrogate as being among the local authorities with the highest likely deep geothermal potential. The Government does not specify geographic locations to industry but developers working in York and North Yorkshire will be eligible to participate in allocation round six of the Contracts for Difference scheme when it opens.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is worth £1 billion per year and is focused on low income and vulnerable households, providing energy efficiency and heating measures, regardless of whether they use a prepayment meter or not.

Other targeted schemes include the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG), the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

The Government cannot intervene in commercial matters between energy suppliers, including the terms of the trade sale of Robin Hood Energy’s customer base, which included the white label provider, Ebico’s customers to British Gas. Issues relating to the recovery of court awarded costs is a matter for the courts.

Under rules set by Ofgem, former Ebico customers who switched to British Gas and then closed their accounts and switched away should receive a refund of outstanding credit balances within 10 days of the supplier issuing a final bill.

Businesses, including the hospitality sector, have already benefitted from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme which ended on 31 March and provided £7 billion of support. Eligible businesses will continue to get a discount on gas and electricity bills under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024.

Wholesale prices have fallen significantly, and it is important that businesses continue to shop around for the best deals as energy prices will vary between energy suppliers. Businesses fixed into costly long-term contracts are more likely to receive EBDS support due to how the baseline discount is calculated.

Businesses, including the Hospitality sector, have already benefitted from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) which ended on 31 March and has provided £7 billion of support at around £35 million a day. Businesses will continue to get a discount on gas and electricity bills under the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS), from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024.

The HM Treasury-led review of the EBRS took account of contributions from the private sector, trade associations, the voluntary sector and other types of organisations, including the Hospitality sector. The outcome of the review informed the criteria used to determine eligibility for the EBDS, which in addition to a baseline level of support, provides a higher level of support for Trade and Energy Intensive Industries identified through an assessment of data from the Department and the Office for National Statistics.

Domestic consumers can choose a Fixed tariff, based on the best prices available at the time, or they will move onto a Default tariff. Where they are on Default tariff their energy supplier must ensure that their prices are within the Energy Price Cap. Ofgem determines the level of the cap every three months to reflect trends in the energy market.

Domestic consumers can choose a Fixed tariff, based on the best prices available at the time, or they will move onto a Default tariff. Where they are on Default tariff their energy supplier must ensure that their prices are within the Energy Price Cap. Ofgem determines the level of the cap every three months to reflect trends in the energy market.

The Government is currently carrying out a review of the duties of economic regulators such as Ofgem and we plan to consult later this year. The Government is also considering the recent amendment made by the House of Lords to Ofgem’s decarbonisation duty and note that on 10 May the Government published, for consultation, a Strategy and Policy Statement setting out the policy priorities and desired outcomes as a guide to Ofgem.

The trade sale of Robin Hood Energy’s domestic customer base, which included the white label provider, Ebico’s customers to British Gas, was a commercial matter between the two companies and Government cannot intervene.

It is for the courts to determine an assessment of the costs incurred during a court process.

The trade sale of Robin Hood Energy’s domestic customer base, which included the white label provider, Ebico’s customers to British Gas, was a commercial matter between the two companies and Government cannot intervene.

It is for the courts to determine an assessment of the costs incurred during a court process.

The trade sale of Robin Hood Energy’s domestic customer base, which included the white label provider, Ebico’s customers to British Gas, was a commercial matter between the two companies and Government cannot intervene.

It is for the courts to determine an assessment of the costs incurred during a court process.

The Government provides funding for home insulation and retrofit measures through the Home Upgrade Grant, Green Homes Grant – Local Authority Delivery, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Public Sector Decarbonisation schemes and previously the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme. The most recent funding allocations from these schemes can be found on GOV.UK.

The Government does not and has never kept a count of community energy initiatives. The Government encourages community energy groups to work closely with their local authority to develop community energy projects and provides funding to support this.

The Government also convenes the Community Energy Contact Group with representative from across the sector to strengthen engagement.

The regulation of the energy sector is for independent regulator Ofgem. The code of practice on involuntary installation of prepayment meters was developed by Ofgem after extensive discussions with stakeholders. All suppliers have signed up to the Code and must demonstrate its implementation before reinstating force-fitted prepayment meters. Ofgem will consult on incorporating the Code into the supply licence, to make it fully enforceable by winter.

Ofgem require energy suppliers to support vulnerable customers, including those over pension age, and the provision of additional services through a Priority Services Register. Ofgem monitors compliance with their rules protecting vulnerable consumers.

The regulation of the energy sector is for independent regulator Ofgem. The code of practice was developed by Ofgem after extensive discussions with stakeholders. All suppliers have signed up to the Code and must demonstrate its implementation before reinstating force-fitted prepayment meter process. Ofgem will consult on incorporating the Code into the supply licence, to make it fully enforceable by winter.

Ofgem require energy suppliers to support vulnerable customers, including those with health conditions, and the provision of additional services through a Priority Services Register. Ofgem monitors compliance with their rules protecting vulnerable consumers.

Officials in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero are working closely with other Government Departments to assess options, including social tariffs, for a new approach to consumer protection from 2024.

The Government intends to consult on options in summer 2023 that better targets support for those most in need.

The Government provides grant funding through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and Home Upgrade Scheme (HUG), with HUG grant funding being delivered through Local Authorities.

The Government also provides support through the Social Housing Decarbonisation and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme. The ECO4 scheme and newly announced Great British Insulation scheme, being launched in Spring 2023, are delivered through a supplier obligation.

Through the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, £500 million of grant funding will support industry with high energy usage to cut their energy bills and carbon emissions by investing in energy efficiency and low carbon technologies. The BUS also supports the installations of low carbon heating measures in small non-domestic buildings.

The Government has no plans to remove support for biomass generating stations that are already supported under the Renewables Obligation and the Contracts for Difference schemes. Such generators undertook their investments in establishing their stations under these schemes and have a statutory right to their existing support.

The Government has committed to developing a Biomass Strategy, which will be published by the end of quarter two this year. The Strategy will review how sustainable biomass could be best utilised across the economy to help achieve the UK’s net zero, and wider environmental, commitments while also supporting energy security.

Britain is leading the world on tackling climate change. Between 1990 and 2021 the UK has cut emissions by 48% while growing the economy by 65%, decarbonising faster than any other G7 country. The Government’s plan, as set out in Powering Up Britain, shows how the Government will enhance our country’s energy security, seize the economic opportunities of the transition and deliver on its net zero commitments.

The Powering Up Britain publication can be found here.

The Each Home Counts review recommended the introduction of an overarching standards framework for end-to-end delivery of retrofit, as well as the establishment of a Government-endorsed quality mark to ensure consumer protection and redress. This is why the Government requires that installations under Government retrofit schemes are carried out in accordance with Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) 2035, by a PAS 2030 and TrustMark registered installer.

PAS 2030 certification requires installers to be assessed against competency requirements by an accredited Certification Body. This includes undertaking relevant training to demonstrate competency, for example an NVQ Level 3 in insulation and building treatments for installers.

(a) From the latest solar PV deployment report, at the end of February 2023 there were 3,918 domestic solar PV installations recorded in York Central and York Outer parliamentary constituencies, and over 930,000 domestic solar PV installations recorded in England.

(b) The Microgeneration Certification Scheme Installations Database shows that up to the end of February 2023 a total of 391 heat pumps were installed in York Central and York Outer parliamentary constituencies, and 140,853 heat pumps were installed in England. The database covers heat pump installations in both domestic and non-domestic properties, but those installed without Government funding support and those in new buildings are not typically included.

(c) From the Central FiT Register statistics, there were 7 other domestic renewable electricity installations recorded in York Central and York Outer parliamentary constituencies, and 2,720 other domestic renewable electricity installations recorded in England when the FIT scheme closed to new entrants in March 2019. The Government does not hold data separately to identify domestic non-solar PV renewable electricity installations after that date.

To help increase the deployment of energy efficiency measures and low carbon heating, the Government is investing over £6.6bn over this parliament, in schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and has committed a further £6bn from 2025 to 2028.

The Government supports microgeneration projects through a number of different mechanisms. For electricity generators, the Government introduced the Smart Export Guarantee, a market-led system that ensures eligible suppliers pay small-scale renewable electricity generators for any electricity exported back to the grid. For heat generators, the Government offers the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a grant of up to £6000 (dependent on technology) towards the replacement of gas boilers for air and ground sourced heat pumps and biomass boilers.

Ofgem also supports microgeneration through community energy projects and welcomes applications from community interest groups to the Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme.

My Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with ministerial colleagues on a number of issues.

Business can already export low-carbon electricity back to the grid. Additionally, the Smart Export Guarantee, launched in January 2020, enables small-scale generators to receive payments from electricity suppliers for electricity which they export back to the grid, providing certain criteria are met.

The Government is considering onsite generation in the manufacturing sector as part of the Net Zero Review and will publish its response in due course. Eligible businesses are already able to receive payment for exported renewable electricity through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

The Government is taking significant steps to encourage businesses to reduce their energy demand. Minimum energy efficiency standards are in place for the non-domestic rented sector, currently EPC E, and the Government has consulted on strengthening this. Furthermore, under the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, qualifying businesses must undertake energy audits and are encouraged to make energy efficiency improvements.

Existing incentives include an exemption on business rates for green technology, providing small business grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering industry £289m for energy efficiency and low carbon technologies, and providing tax discounts via the Climate Change Agreements scheme.

The Government has also launched a new Energy Efficiency Taskforce to help achieve its target to reduce our energy consumption from buildings and industry by 15% by 2030.

The Government is taking significant steps to encourage businesses to reduce their energy demand. Minimum energy efficiency standards are in place for the non-domestic rented sector, currently EPC E, and the Government has consulted on strengthening this. Furthermore, under the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, qualifying businesses must undertake energy audits and are encouraged to make energy efficiency improvements.

Existing incentives include an exemption on business rates for green technology, providing small business grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering industry £289m for energy efficiency and low carbon technologies, and providing tax discounts via the Climate Change Agreements scheme.

The Government has also launched a new Energy Efficiency Taskforce to help achieve its target to reduce our energy consumption from buildings and industry by 15% by 2030.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme provides a discount on the wholesale element of gas and electricity bills to ensure that all eligible businesses, including the hospitality and retail sector, are protected from high energy costs this winter period. Following an HMT-led review, the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme will run from April until March 2024, and continue to provide a discount to eligible non-domestic customers, including the hospitality and retail sector. Additional government support for the sector includes Retail, Health and Leisure relief increase from 50% to 75%, a multiplier freeze for 2023-24, and capping of transitional relief for rateable values.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme review included an assessment of qualitative and quantitative evidence from stakeholders, including small businesses, on sectors that may be most affected by rising energy prices based on energy and trade intensity.

The outcome of the review informed the criteria of the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS), which will continue to provide eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users with a discount on high energy bills from April until 31 March 2024. A higher level of support will be provided for the most energy and trade intensive sectors who meet agreed thresholds for energy and trade intensity through the Energy and Trade Intensive Industries (ETII) Scheme element of the EBDS.

The methodology used to determine the eligibility of SIC Codes for the higher Energy and Trade Intensive Industry (ETII) support is published at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-bills-discount-scheme-factsheet.

Under the Ofgem Energy Price Cap methodology, energy suppliers can change the efficient cost to supply energy, and the cost incurred for each payment method is one of the variables in this calculation.

The Government has announced that the cost differential between customers paying by direct debit and prepayment customers will be covered through the Energy Price Guarantee from 1 July this year. This will save a comparable prepayment meter customer £45 a year on average.

Ofgem are looking at options for removing the cost difference between direct debit and prepayment from April 2024.

Regulation of the energy supply sector is for independent regulator Ofgem.

As part of the review, announced on 21 February, to support and protect energy customers when suppliers fit prepayment meters by force or via remote switch, Ofgem has been clear that suppliers should offer compensation as appropriate where the strict rules have not been followed, and should not wait for the outcome of compliance action to do this.

The evaluation of the reformed Warm Home Discount scheme is expected to commence in Summer 2023. The Government does not collect claimant data from previous years held by energy suppliers, and there are no current plans to compare previous and current recipients in the evaluation.

On 21 February, Ofgem published a Call for Evidence on a package of work focused on prepayment meters, including looking at all energy payment methods to see whether there is a case for levelling them. Responses are requested by 7 March.

Local authorities have a lot of flexibility and discretion in how they take action, as they have very varied local opportunities, needs, and circumstances.

The Net Zero Strategy sets out the UK's commitment to fund Local Net Zero Hubs across England which support local authorities to develop net zero projects and attract commercial investment.

The Government’s approach to community energy is set out in the Net Zero Strategy. This includes re-establishing the Community Energy Contact Group to strengthen Government's engagement with the sector and discuss opportunities for community energy.

Supply licence conditions, enforced by the independent regulator Ofgem, state that differences in price between payment methods for energy must reflect the cost to the supplier of that payment method. The costs of managing prepayment meters are higher than those for standard meters due to the different metering requirements and payment systems.

Ofgem has said that it will be looking at all energy payment methods to see whether there is a case for levelling them, taking account of the trade-offs and other issues that would involve.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote to suppliers on 4 February, asking them to outline what steps they will take to identify consumers with an inappropriately installed prepayment meter. He confirmed the Government’s expectation that where such customers are identified, appropriate steps will be taken to rectify the situation, including the possibility of compensation.

Ofgem rules require energy suppliers to assess whether installing a prepayment meter or changing a smart meter to prepayment mode is safe and reasonably practicable for the customer. This assessment should include identifying any vulnerability and the customer’s ability to pay.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has written to domestic energy suppliers regarding the forced installation of prepayment meters (PPM).

Suppliers have been asked to share the steps they are taking to identify customers who may have had a PPM installed inappropriately and to take appropriate action in any cases where this has happened.

All domestic suppliers have been asked to pause the installation of PPM under warrant until they have assured Ofgem that they are compliant with all relevant regulations and obligations.