Rachael Maskell Portrait

Rachael Maskell

Labour (Co-op) - York Central

First elected: 7th May 2015


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


Department Event
Tuesday 5th December 2023
11:30
Department of Health and Social Care
Oral questions - Main Chamber
5 Dec 2023, 11:30 a.m.
Health and Social Care (including Topical Questions)
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Note: This event involves a Department with which this person is linked, and does not guarantee their actual attendance.
Oral Question
Thursday 7th December 2023
10:10
Attorney General
Oral Question No. 6
If she will hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on consulting the International Criminal Court on potential breaches of international law in the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
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Division Votes
Monday 4th December 2023
Business without Debate
voted Aye - in line with the party majority
One of 141 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 381 Noes - 37
Speeches
Tuesday 28th November 2023
Housing in Tourist Destinations
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Charles, and I congratulate the hon. Member for St Austell …
Written Answers
Monday 4th December 2023
East Jerusalem and West Bank: Armed Conflict
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what information his Department holds on the (a) location …
Early Day Motions
Monday 18th September 2023
World Arthritis Day 2023
That this House celebrates World Arthritis Day, which is due to take place on 12 October 2023; welcomes its aims …
Bills
Tuesday 11th July 2023
Bullying and respect at work Bill 2022-23
A Bill to provide for a statutory definition of bullying at work; to make provision relating to bullying at work, …
MP Financial Interests
Monday 7th August 2023
8. Miscellaneous
From 2 July 2019 until 10 June 2023, a director (unpaid) of Transform Labour Ltd (formally Transform Europe (Campaign) Ltd). …
EDM signed
Monday 4th December 2023
Reductions in railway funding
That this House notes the Government funding settlement for the next five-year Railway Control Period 7 from 2024 to 2029 …
Supported Legislation
Wednesday 22nd March 2023
Employment Equality (Insurance etc) Bill 2022-23
A Bill to amend Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010 to prohibit age discrimination by employers in relation to …

Division Voting information

During the current Parliamentary Session, Rachael Maskell has voted in 741 divisions, and 5 times against the majority of their Party.

17 Jun 2020 - Health and Personal Social Services - View Vote Context
Rachael Maskell voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Labour No votes vs 135 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 253 Noes - 136
27 Apr 2021 - Delegated Legislation - View Vote Context
Rachael Maskell voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 3 Labour No votes vs 189 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 431 Noes - 89
14 Dec 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Rachael Maskell voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Labour No votes vs 124 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 385 Noes - 100
30 Mar 2022 - Health and Care Bill - View Vote Context
Rachael Maskell voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 4 Labour No votes vs 125 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 188
22 Jun 2022 - Health and Personal Social Services - View Vote Context
Rachael Maskell voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Labour No votes vs 99 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 215 Noes - 70
View All Rachael Maskell Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

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

Sparring Partners
Marcus Jones (Conservative)
Treasurer of HM Household (Deputy Chief Whip, House of Commons)
(59 debate interactions)
Alex Norris (Labour (Co-op))
Shadow Minister (Home Office) (Policing)
(56 debate interactions)
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
(47 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
View all Rachael Maskell's debates

York Central Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

We want suicide spoken about in schools in a safe and age-appropriate way. Speaking about suicide saves lives
The Dept for Education are conducting a review of the RSHE curriculum; this petition calls on the DfE to include suicide prevention within the statutory guidelines of the new curriculum.

The Government should prohibit the sale, use and manufacture of free-running snares under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, putting them in the same category as self-locking snares, which are already illegal.

Ensure any ban fully includes trans people and all forms of conversion therapy.

For the most recent hunting season, Forestry England gave hunting licences for 34 fox & hare “trail hunts”. Despite hunting wild mammals with dogs being illegal, two of the licensed/previously licensed trail hunts have been associated with convictions under the Hunting and Animal Welfare Acts.

In March 2021 Mini the cat was chased and killed by hunting hounds in a quiet residential area.
The Government should back Mini’s Law (Public and Animal Safety Bill 2021) to ensure safety to the public and animals from hunting activity, such as trail hunts and exercise of hunting hounds.

Ensuring statutory adoption pay is available to a self-employed parent in the same way that maternity allowance is available for self-employed new mums would promote an equal and fair society inclusive of all routes to parenthood.

Join other nations in providing a route to safety for refugees. Waive all visa requirements for Ukrainian passport holders arriving in the UK.

The Government needs to change the law so laboratory animals are included in the Animal Welfare Act. Laboratory animals are currently not protected by the Act and are therefore victims of 'unnecessary suffering' (see section 4 of the Act: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/section/4).

Make it illegal for any employer to mandate vaccination for its employees. This should apply to all public sector (including the NHS, armed forces, care workers), third sector and all private sector.

Current legislation allows for public use of fireworks 16 hours a day, every day, making it impossible for vulnerable groups to take precautions against the distress they can cause. Better enforcement of existing law is insufficient; limiting their sale & use to licensed displays only is necessary.

I would like the UK Government to make it law that nightclubs must search guests on arrival to prevent harmful weapons and other items entering the establishment. This could be a pat down search or metal detector, but must involve measures being put in place to ensure the safety of the public.

Endometriosis and PCOS are two gynaecological conditions which both affect 10% of women worldwide, but both are, in terms of research and funding, incredibly under prioritised. This petition is calling for more funding, to enable for new, extensive and thorough research into female health issues.

Call on the government to consider holding debates in Parliament between MPs and university students to raise/discuss issues that affect them. It will allow students to voice their opinions and concerns about tuition fees of £9250 a year which are too high, particularly as grants have been removed

We ask Parliament to repeal the High Speed Rail Bills, 2016 and 2019, as MPs voted on misleading environmental, financial and timetable information provided by the Dept of Transport and HS2 Ltd. It fails to address the conditions of the Paris Accord and costs have risen from £56bn to over £100bn.

We ask Government to significantly increase targeted research funding for motor neurone disease (MND).

A new investment of £50m over 5 years could kickstart a pioneering MND Research Institute.

This would lead to better, faster and more definitive research outcomes and hope for those with MND.

The government is helping private firms to protect jobs by paying up to 80% of staff wages through this crisis. If it can do this why can it not help key workers who will be putting themselves/their families at risk and working extra hard under extremely challenging and unprecedented circumstances.

During the pandemic government workers have delivered vital public services and kept our country safe and secure. After ten years in which the real value of civil service pay has fallen, many face hardship. The Government must start to restore the real value of their pay with a 10% increase in 2020.

12 kids in the UK are diagnosed with cancer daily. 1 in 5 will die within 5 years, often of the deadliest types like DIPG (brainstem cancer) - fatal on diagnosis & other cancers on relapse. Yet there has been little, or no, funding for research into these cancers and little, or no, progress.

The threat of covid19 is real. Children can’t be expected to maintain sufficient social distancing to keep this virus from spreading. They are social creatures. Allowing them back to school could cause a new spike in cases. They could bring it back home, even if they are a-symptomatic.

The Government should cancel GCSEs and A Levels in 2021 due to the disruption of Covid-19. By the time students go back to normal learning, 6 months will have passed since schools were closed to most pupils. This has already had a huge impact on the studying of so many.

Schools should move to online learning from 9 December so that all students and school staff have a chance to isolate for two weeks and then can safely meet older relatives.

Close down schools and colleges due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. We are seeing cases of students and teachers catching the virus since schools have reopened.

The University and College Union has repeatedly called on its members to strike. However, strikes are ineffective if students, not employees are the main source of revenue. For this to change, government needs to step in and require universities to reimburse tuition fees lost due to strike action.

All students should be reimbursed of this years tuition fees as universities are now online only due to COVID-19, with only powerpoints online for learning materials which is not worthy of up to £9,250. Furthermore, all assessments are being reconsidered to ‘make do’ and build up credits.

As students are unable to access facilities or continue with their eduction at their university setting in the following semester, we would like to request that the government considers refunding tuition payments for Semester 3.

The quality of online lectures is not equal to face-to-face lectures. Students should not have to pay full tuition fees for online lectures, without experiencing university life. The Government should require UK universities to partially refund tuition fees while online teaching is implemented.

Students across the UK have returned to University to be told our learning will be predominantly online for the foreseeable future. The Government should therefore lower our tuition fees and we should receive a partial refund for the effects this will have on our learning and university experience.

Weddings take months and even years of intricate planning. Myself and many others believe the maximum number of guests authorised at wedding ceremonies should be increased. The number of guests permitted at weddings should be calculated according to venue capacity.

Extend funding to nightclubs, dance music events and festivals as part of the £1.57bn support package announced by the government for Britain's arts and culture sector to survive the hit from the pandemic. #LetUSDance

We want the Education Secretary and the Government to step in and review the exam board’s decision on how GCSE and A-Level grades will be calculated and awarded due to the current coronavirus crisis. We want a better solution than just using our previous data to be the basis of our grade.

A significant number of students will sit their final 2021 examinations. The outcome of which undoubtedly will be their passport, for many of their future life chances and successes. In order for this to be done fairly, it is imperative that the amount of content they are tested on is reduced.

In light of the recent outbreak and lock down, those on maternity leave should be given 3 extra months paid leave, at least. This time is for bonding and social engaging with other parents and babies through baby groups which are vital for development and now everything has been cancelled.


Latest EDMs signed by Rachael Maskell

4th December 2023
Rachael Maskell signed this EDM as a sponsor on Monday 4th December 2023

Reductions in railway funding

Tabled by: Ian Mearns (Labour - Gateshead)
That this House notes the Government funding settlement for the next five-year Railway Control Period 7 from 2024 to 2029 will result in a £1.2bn cut in Network Rail's budget for vital safety-critical railway infrastructure work compared to the previous five year period; further notes these cuts will fall on …
23 signatures
(Most recent: 4 Dec 2023)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 17
Independent: 3
Green Party: 1
Plaid Cymru: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
29th November 2023
Rachael Maskell signed this EDM as a sponsor on Thursday 30th November 2023

BBC investigative journalism

Tabled by: John McDonnell (Labour - Hayes and Harlington)
That this House deplores the announcement by the BBC that more than half the jobs on flagship weekday evening programme Newsnight will be lost as part of the latest misguided Digital First savings strategy; regrets that Newsnight will no longer screen investigative reporting and will be truncated to just thirty …
20 signatures
(Most recent: 4 Dec 2023)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 10
Scottish National Party: 3
Plaid Cymru: 3
Independent: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Alliance: 1
View All Rachael Maskell's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Rachael Maskell, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


1 Urgent Question tabled by Rachael Maskell

Monday 24th October 2022

2 Adjournment Debates led by Rachael Maskell

4 Bills introduced by Rachael Maskell


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

Commons - 40%

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

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

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 20th June 2022

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

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 26th October 2022

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

Commons - 20%

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

7252 Written Questions in the current parliament

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
56 Other Department Questions
19th Oct 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what support the Church of England has provided to (a) churches and (b) other people in (i) Israel and (ii) Gaza since 7 October 2023.

Following the events of 7th October, the Archbishops of York and Canterbury called on Christians, and people of all faiths and none, to pray for the victims of the terrorist attacks by Hamas and for the innocent affected by the conflict.

The Archbishop of Canterbury visited Jerusalem, from 19th – 22nd October 2023, to stand in prayerful solidarity with the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem following damage to the Al-Ahli Hospital and to show pastoral care and support to all those affected by the war. During the visit, the Archbishop met with those who had lost loved ones as a result of the 7 October attacks. Several dioceses are supporting humanitarian appeals to support the ongoing work of the Al–Ahli Hospital.

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s most recent comments on the issue of Israel and Gaza can be found here: https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/news/news-and-statements

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
6th Jul 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church Commissioners have had with stakeholders on (a) their spending priorities and (b) how these align with the mission of the church.

The budget of the Archbishops' Council is debated at the General Synod, and members can question the chair of the Council’s Finance Committee about spending plans.

The spending plans are designed to align with the five Marks of Mission and the Vision and Strategy of the Church of England. The Five Marks of Mission were developed by the Anglican Communion and adopted at its meeting in 1984 (ACC-6) to draw the global family of Churches together around points of unity. You can find more information about this here: https://www.anglicancommunion.org/mission/marks-of-mission.aspx

For more information about how the Church of England applies the Five Marks of Mission, see here: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/deeper-god-mission-theology

For more information about the Church of England's Vision and Strategy set out in 2020, see the latest papers here: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/vision-and-strategy

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
6th Jul 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether he has had recent discussions with local dioceses on the potential merits of devolving budgets.

Parishes already have autonomy over their finances. The Church of England has a devolved structure with operational budgets managed at the parish, diocese and national levels. Each level makes day-to-day and long-term spending decisions appropriate to its activity. There are no plans to devolve further budgetary functions.

The Church Commissioners make significant money available each year through the Archbishops' Council to support various initiatives at the diocesan and parish levels. Recent funds have included money to increase opportunity for those with a vocation to train for ministry, supporting clergy posts of first responsibility, funding parish churches upgrading heating systems and giving hardship grants to dioceses to support clergy in need.

The Church Commissioners are now working with a new Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board to oversee the distribution of its lowest-income communities and strategic development project funding. 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


You can find more about the work of both the Archbishops' Council and the Church Commissioners to support parish and diocesan ministry in their Annual Reports here:

The Archbihsops' Council: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/gs-2308-2022-archbishops-council-annual-report.pdf

The Church Commissioners: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/gs-misc-1342-church-commissioners-for-england-annual-report-2022-final.pdf

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
6th Jul 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to allocate funding to the least affluent areas in parishes.

Parliament has most recently approved the Diocesan Stipends Funds (Amendment) Measure 2023, which has received Royal Assent. This Measure has simplified the process and enabled wealthy dioceses to share surplus funds from their Diocesan Stipends Funds with less affluent dioceses should they choose to do so. This money can only be spent on the stipends for clergy.

Additionally, the Church Commissioners, whose predecessor bodies were founded to support poor clergy and poor parishes by redistributing the wealth of the Church, continue that purpose today. The primary example is through the Lowest Income Communities Fund. The Church Commissioners have also been making new money available to support vocations, training new clergy, and supporting dioceses to afford larger numbers of clergy. This money has been administered through the Archbishops' Council.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
6th Jul 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church has made of the potential merit of separating the funding of upkeep of the material fabric of buildings and of ministers for the cure of souls.

While no specific assessment has been made of separating the upkeep of buildings from the ministers’ cure of souls, the National Church Institutions regularly review the pressure on parishes and clergy in public ministry and are committed to reducing the burdens of administration, operation, and management. The National Church Institutions continue to explore the opportunities to support parishes, and the Church Commissioners have recently launched the £14 million 'Buildings for Mission' fund, which includes funding for Church Building Support Officers and minor fabric repairs. The Church would like to thank the Government for introducing an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to clarify the law around churches being able to receive grant funding from local authorities.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
6th Jul 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church has made representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on VAT relief for the upkeep of (a) newer and (b) all church buildings.

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/

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
6th Jul 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church Commissioners have had with stakeholders on involving parishes in discussions over their future.

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

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
20th Jun 2023
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent assessment she has made of trends in equal pay in (a) York and (b) the UK.

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

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
27th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the availability of youth workers for meeting the objectives of the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, published on 27 March 2023.

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.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
21st Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when she plans to publish the new UK Tentative List of potential future UNESCO world heritage sites.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
16th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the BBC on extending local content on BBC Local Radio.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
15th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to paragraph 2.28 of the Spring Budget 2023, HC1183, published in March 2023, whether restraints will be placed on the use of the £100 million of funding allocated to charities.

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.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
15th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to paragraph 2.28 of the Spring Budget 2023, HC1183, published in March 2023, if she will make it her policy to extend energy bill support for swimming pools to whole leisure centre complexes with swimming pools.

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.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
6th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the digital creative sector in York; and what steps she is taking to support the growth of that sector.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
20th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the Home Secretary on the potential of the creative and cultural sector in playing a role in diverting young people away from crime.

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.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
20th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on joint (a) working and (b) funding for youth services to help tackle young people being caught up in crime.

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.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
20th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a statutory youth service; and if she will take steps to establish that service.

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.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
20th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department take steps to help ensure equality of access to the creative and cultural assets of a location, including from people from lower socioeconomic groups.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
20th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what mechanisms her Department uses to assess the economic benefits that creative and cultural activities may contribute to an area; and what steps her Department takes to support local authorities in developing and delivering creative and cultural strategies.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
30th Jan 2023
To ask the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Committee has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing Ukrainian refugees resident in England to vote in local elections.

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.

26th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will make an assessment of the potential correlation between the cost and availability of childcare provision and women’s incomes.

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.

26th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support single parents who are women into employment by removing barriers to childcare.

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.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
12th Jul 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what progress the Government is making on each of the commitments it made at COP26, and whether it is on track to deliver all of them.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
6th Jul 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of the (a) gender, (b) ethnicity and (c) disabled person's pay gap in (i) Yorkshire and (ii) England.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
30th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what progress she has made on tackling (a) gender, (b) ethnicity and (c) disabled persons pay gaps.

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.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
16th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to tackle inequalities for people from minoritized communities due to their protected characteristics.

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.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
26th Apr 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a principle of respect and dignity for people with protected characteristics.

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.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
30th Mar 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) relevant stakeholders on integrating divestment in Russian supply of oil and gas with COP26 objectives to cut climate degradation.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
10th Feb 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what progress he has made since the COP26 conference on ending the use of coal.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
10th Feb 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what progress he has made on securing additional funding for climate change initiatives in developing countries ahead of COP27.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
4th Jan 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what progress has been made with the Clergy Discipline Measure review.

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.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
4th Jan 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, when a presentation of proposals to reform the Clergy Discipline Measure will be made available to members of the Ecclesiastical Committee.

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.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
4th Jan 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Ecclesiastical Committee has been kept informed of the progress of the review of the Clergy Discipline Measure.

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.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
25th Nov 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether she has plans to move civil servant jobs in (a) her Department and (b) non-departmental public bodies and government agencies associated with her Department to York.

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.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
16th Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what his priorities will be for COP27.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
16th Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what his priorities are for the remainder of his presidency of 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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
16th Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what assessment he has made of the likelihood of achieving a new global deal on coal by COP27.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
3rd Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he has taken to ensure that children and young people have been able to participate in COP26.

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

3rd Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he plans to take to help ensure that environmental and climate charities are facilitated in supporting the outcomes of COP26.

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.

3rd Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he will take to include civil society in the delivery of COP26 outcomes.

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.

3rd Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps the Government is taking to help ensure transparent accountability of (a) businesses and (b) public sector bodies on their delivery of COP26 objectives.

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.

10th Sep 2021
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will publish the (a) available data on carbon dioxide levels in locations in the House of Commons and (b) risk assessment of the effect of levels of carbon dioxide in the House of Commons on the transmission of covid-19.

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.

6th Sep 2021
To ask the President of COP26, if he will ensure that the potential merits of a carbon border tax or carbon border adjustment mechanism is discussed at the COP26 summit.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
15th Jul 2021
To ask the President of COP26, if the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is on the agenda for COP26.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
8th Jul 2021
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what provisions will be put in place for people who remain concerned about covid-19 infection as singing is reintroduced in churches.

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

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
1st Jul 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he is taking to engage school age children in the lead up to COP26.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
1st Jul 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what recent discussions he (a) has had and (b) plans to have to halt deforestation on the planet; and what estimate he has made of when that will be achieved.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
1st Jul 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he has taken to incorporate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals into his outcome planning for COP26.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
9th Jun 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he will take to involve all the regions of the UK in the COP26 summit.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
17th May 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he is taking to help ensure there are opportunities for civil society to engage with the COP26.

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.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
12th Apr 2021
Pay
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what plans she has to bring forward legislative proposals to require employers to display the salary range when advertising employment opportunities.

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.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
12th Apr 2021
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the report of the Behavioural Insights Team, Reducing the gender pay gap and improving gender equality in organisations: Evidence-based actions for employers, whether it is Government policy to encourage employers to clearly communicate the salary range on offer for a role to encourage women to negotiate their salary as an effective action to close the gender pay gap.

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.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
20th Jan 2021
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what progress has been made on the review of the Clergy Discipline Measure.

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.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
9th Sep 2020
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what support is being made available to cathedrals to tackle the financial challenges they are facing as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

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.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
19th May 2020
To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what the Commissioners' timetable is for enabling churches to reopen safely for funeral services after the covid-19 lockdown.

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.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
29th Jun 2022
To ask the Attorney General, what steps he plans to take to increase the (a) prosecution and (b) conviction rates from reported cases of rape.

This Government is determined to increase the number of rape prosecutions and convictions.

The CPS is undertaking extensive work to drive up and improve prosecutions through their Joint National RASSO Action Plan with the police, the Rape Strategy, and the Operation Soteria Pathfinders, which are testing methods for best practice in six CPS Areas.

Since this work commenced there has been a steady increase in the number of rape charges, prosecutions and convictions, quarter on quarter.

Alex Chalk
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
28th Jun 2022
To ask the Attorney General, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State in response to the Urgent Question of 28 June 2022 on prosecution of incidences of rape, what steps he plans to take to enable more survivors of rape to bring forward a prosecution in the event that the CPS determines the case to be one of the survivors word against the perpetrators.

This Government is determined to improve support for victims and increase the number of rape cases going to court.

Earlier this year the CPS published their Rape Strategy update confirming their aim to significantly increase year on year the number of rape cases going to court. In each of their RASSO Units their specially trained prosecutors will always look to charge when the Code for Crown Prosecutors is met.

The CPS are also undertaking extensive work to enhance support for rape victims including a ‘digital walk through’ outlining for victims the process of a criminal trial.

Alex Chalk
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
28th Jun 2021
To ask the Attorney General, for what reason does the CPS withdraw its support for rape cases going to full trial after a trial date has been set.

When deciding whether to prosecute a criminal case, prosecutors must follow the Code for Crown Prosecutors. This is the starting point for every decision they make and requires prosecutors to apply two key tests: the evidential test and the public interest test.

Prosecutors have a continuous duty to review cases, and there are a range of reasons that may mean a case no longer meets the Code test. The most common changes that result in a discontinuance include new undermining evidence, existing evidence being ruled as inadmissible, and victim withdrawal from proceedings.

The CPS is committed to improving victims’ confidence in and experience of the criminal justice process. The CPS is working tirelessly with its cross-government and criminal justice partners to make sure victims are supported from the moment they report a rape or sexual assault through the criminal justice process.

Lucy Frazer
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the Guide for the Disposal of Surplus Land, published by his Department in March 2017, in the context of trends in the level of growth in the construction industry.

A Guide for the Disposal of Surplus Land, published March 2017, was withdrawn in June 2021. By then it was assessed as inadequate: it had out-of-date references and no longer reflected current government policy.

Subsequent government reports assessed delivery on the two primary targets for housing land and capital receipts. These showed the release of government-owned sites for redevelopment continued to make progress, and the receipts target was fully met. Land releases included NHS sites, for which an assessment of impact would routinely be made prior to release.

There are no plans at present to assess the adequacy of the 2017 guidance. Revised guidance will take account of property market and construction sector situations as well as social value and the three missions of the Government Property Strategy 2022-2030, including a ‘smaller, better, greener’ government estate.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department’s Guide for the Disposal of Surplus Land, published March 2017, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of that guidance; and what assessment he has made of the impact of that guidance on (a) the development of sites and (b) NHS services.

A Guide for the Disposal of Surplus Land, published March 2017, was withdrawn in June 2021. By then it was assessed as inadequate: it had out-of-date references and no longer reflected current government policy.

Subsequent government reports assessed delivery on the two primary targets for housing land and capital receipts. These showed the release of government-owned sites for redevelopment continued to make progress, and the receipts target was fully met. Land releases included NHS sites, for which an assessment of impact would routinely be made prior to release.

There are no plans at present to assess the adequacy of the 2017 guidance. Revised guidance will take account of property market and construction sector situations as well as social value and the three missions of the Government Property Strategy 2022-2030, including a ‘smaller, better, greener’ government estate.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
10th Jul 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to co-ordinate the use of public land for development.

The Office of Government Property coordinates the development of public land through the One Public Estate (OPE) programme. This drives efficiencies by supporting opportunities for co-location, disposals, relocations, land assembly and multi-portfolio collaboration. OPE has recently been extended to include the Place Pilot initiative which brings together central and local government partners to review future estate needs and opportunities.

To date it has supported over 800 projects, spanning 98 per cent of English councils, helping transform local communities and public services right across the country. OPE partnerships have delivered 37,332 jobs, releasing land for 37,733 new homes, raising £593 million in capital receipts and cutting running costs by £119 million.

In addition, OPE delivers the £180m Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 (BLRF2) in conjunction with DLUHC. This awards funding to Local Authorities across England for land remediation of local authority owned brownfield sites ready for housing.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
10th Jul 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an estimate of the average time it takes each Government Department to dispose of land; and whether he is taking steps to help reduce this.

Average disposal times for land sales are not centrally collected. These will vary depending on the nature of the land being sold. The Government Property Strategy commits to a smaller, better, greener estate, including raising £500m a year from disposals. Selling land expediently will help departments to meet this commitment.

Alex Burghart
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
3rd Jul 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make a comparative assessment of trends in the level of heart attack deaths in (a) the UK, (b) EU countries, (c) the US and (d) other G7 countries.

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

A response to the Hon Lady's Parliamentary Question of 3 July 2023 is attached.

22nd Jun 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many ongoing contaminated blood cases there are in each parliamentary constituency.

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.

1st Feb 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure that all those working in Government Departments receive training on bullying and harassment.

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.

1st Feb 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) adequacy and (b) effectiveness of policies to deal with bullying and harassment in Government departments.

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.

1st Feb 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on training for Ministers on bullying and harassment in the workplace.

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.’

23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of the impact of public sector pay policy on civil service staff.

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.

17th Jan 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number of excess deaths that can be attributed to (a) strokes and (b) cardiovascular diseases in each of the last three months for which data is available.

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.

6th Jan 2023
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answers of 13 December 2022 to Question 102902 on Unemployment: Energy and Question 102903 on Social Security Benefits: Disability, how many (a) disabled people were in receipt of disability benefits and (b) unemployed people were on pre-payment meters in the first six months of the 2022-23 financial year.

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.

15th Dec 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent steps his Department has taken to help resolve pay disputes in the civil service.

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.

5th Dec 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people that receive disability related benefits are on pre-payment meters.

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.



5th Dec 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made an estimate with Cabinet colleagues of the number of unemployed people who are using pre-payment meters.

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.



21st Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his planned timetable is for setting out the Government's plans to create a Government hub in York Central.

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.

21st Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress his Department has made on planning for facilities for a Government hub in York Central.

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.

21st Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to develop the Government hub in York Central with (a) conferencing space and (b) other facilities that benefit the local community.

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.

26th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the cost of living crisis on women who are single parents.

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.

12th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to introduce further provisions for appeal in cases where a complainant to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman believes that the Ombudsman has not taken into account all elements of a case.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
11th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of expediency of the PHSO in resolving NHS complaints; and what date she collects on the average length of time it is taking to conclude a case at the PHSO.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
11th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) adequacy of resourcing and (b) effectiveness of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in handling complaints against the NHS.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
11th Oct 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

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.

Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
8th Sep 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of violent crime in the last year was linked to (a) drug and (b) alcohol use.

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.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
8th Sep 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number of cases of women who have been stalked in (a) York and (b) England in each the last five years.

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.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
20th Jul 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will (a) instruct all resilience forums to establish a plan for tackling extreme heat, including checks on vulnerable residents and cool rest facilities, and (b) publish guidance his Department has issued on this prior to the period of extreme heat in July 2022.

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.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
18th Jul 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what contingency planning he has carried out on dealing with periods of extreme heat.

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.

30th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to help ensure that people appointed to public bodies reflect the diversity of the UK.

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.

30th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether it is his policy that the Procurement Bill will help ensure that the auditing of contracts let as part of his levelling up agenda is (a) transparent and (b) accessible to the public.

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.

30th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to help ensure that (a) all public bodies undertake annual diversity reviews and (b) those annual reviews include an assessment of the progression of people with protected characteristics.

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.

29th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he takes to measure the performance of Government against its (a) manifesto commitments, (b) proposed legislative programme and (c) other proposed programmes of work.

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

29th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the impact of (a) underlying health conditions, (b) age or another protected characteristic and (c) vaccination status on mortality rates of covid-19.

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.

17th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made a recent assessment of the effectiveness of the scrutiny of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

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.

17th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the findings of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Stakeholder (PHSO) Survey 2021, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reforming the operation of the PHSO.

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.

6th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to retain UK Security Vetting Services in York after the disposal of Imphal Barracks.

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.

26th May 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to ensure that the scope of the Covid-19 Inquiry includes an assessment of the potential impact on people bereaved by covid-19 of the findings of the Cabinet Office report entitled Findings of Second Permanent Secretary's investigation into alleged gatherings on Government premises during covid restrictions.

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.

25th May 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to require the proposed covid-19 inquiry to collect evidence on the impact of breaches of covid-19 restrictions at 10 Downing Street on people who were bereaved during covid-19.

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.

25th May 2022
To ask the Prime Minister, with reference to the Investigation into alleged gatherings during Covid Restrictions: Final Report published on 25 May 2022, when he was first made aware of the treatment experienced by security and cleaning staff by officials.

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.

25th May 2022
To ask the Prime Minister, with reference to the Investigation into alleged gatherings during Covid Restrictions: Final Report published on 25 May 2022, when the Second Permanent Secretary first raised the treatment experienced by security and cleaning staff with him.

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.

17th May 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have had (a) poverty, (b) hypothermia and (c) hunger recognised as a contributing factor to their death through either (i) physical and (ii) mental health in the latest period for which that data is available.

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.

16th May 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of moving the House of Lords to York.

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.

16th May 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to publish proposals on moving the House of Lords to York.

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.

11th May 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps are available to remove councillors of state; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to enable the removal of such titles from people who have been sanctioned or imprisoned.

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.

11th May 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps are available to remove peerages; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to enable the removal of such titles from people who have been sanctioned or imprisoned.

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.

22nd Feb 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people are participating in the ONS covid-19 Infection Survey; and what the rate of attrition in participation in that survey is.

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.

2nd Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate he has made of the number of jobs that could be created by relocating the House of Lords to York.

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.

2nd Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress has been made on the assessment of the potential merits of moving the House of Lords to York.

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.

2nd Feb 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of establishing a national Government conference centre in York.

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.

31st Jan 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, from which budget the investigation conducted by Sue Gray is being funded.

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.

31st Jan 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much the Investigation into alleged gatherings on government premises during Covid restrictions has cost in terms of staff time.

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.

27th Jan 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of developing a community asset focus for disposable public estate to provide accommodation for civil society organisations.

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.

20th Jan 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil servants in his Department are working on matters to do with (a) the EU and (b) the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

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.

6th Jan 2022
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he has taken to consult relevant stakeholders on the criteria for the Terms of Reference for the Covid-19 Public Inquiry; who was consulted; and when he plans to publish the Terms of Reference.

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.

25th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to reduce the number of peers in the House of Lords.

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.

25th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have taken their own lives through drowning in each of the last five years.

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

4th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to record causation of excess deaths in winter 2021-22; and if he will ensure that covid-19, flu and community/hospital acquired pneumonia are separately identified in those statistics.

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

4th Nov 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many jobs in his Department will be placed (a) in York and (b) on the York Central site in York; and what the job titles are of those roles.

(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.

2nd Nov 2021
To ask the Prime Minister, whether he is planning to re-establish the Department for Energy and Climate Change in response to the climate crisis.

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.

25th Oct 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to announce the location of the northern government hub; and what recent assessment he has made of York as the location of that hub.

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.

22nd Oct 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what progress the Government has made on establishment of a Government Conference Centre; and what steps have been taken to ensure a due diligence assessment of proposals for that Conference Centre, including for its potential siting in York.

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.

16th Sep 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to ensure that environmental protections are not diminished as a result of the commission looking at regulation following the UK's departure from the EU.

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.

16th Sep 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to ensure that workers' rights are not diminished as a result of the commission looking at regulation following the UK's departure from the EU.

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.

22nd Jul 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the scope of the covid-19 public inquiry.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
22nd Jul 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the chair of the covid-19 public inquiry will be appointed.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
16th Jul 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the decision by the Netherlands to reintroduce covid-19 restrictions.

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

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
16th Jul 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to rising UK cases of covid-19 and the effects of that matter on (a) workers in the health and care sector and (b) the workforce more widely, if he will review his decision to ease covid-19 lockdown measures on 19 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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
13th Jul 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) relevant stakeholders on (i) keeping and (ii) expanding the National Security Vetting Agency in York.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
9th Jul 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, under what circumstances he would introduce a local lockdown after the lifting of covid-19 restrictions in England on 19 July 2021.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
7th Jul 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of abolishing fixed terms for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Executive alongside proposals to repeal the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.

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.

7th Jul 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what criteria he will use to determine whether covid-19 secure measures should be reintroduced in the future.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
7th Jul 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish all the data on which the Government has based its decision to lift all covid-19 restrictions from 19 July 2021.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
28th Jun 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether footage from CCTV cameras or audio recording devices has been used as evidence in disciplinary cases against departmental staff in the last five years.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
28th Jun 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether security cameras are used in Government buildings for the purposes of the surveillance of staff working in those buildings.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
22nd Jun 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure his public communications on covid-19 over summer 2021 are effective.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
9th Jun 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether, from 21 June 2021, weddings of any size will be able to take place, providing social distancing measures are put in place.

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

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
9th Jun 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether, after 21 June 2021, social distancing and face coverings will still be advised.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
27th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to appoint the chair of the proposed public inquiry into the covid-19 outbreak; and what consultation process he plans to hold prior to appointing that role.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
27th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he plans to take to ensure that representatives of local (a) authorities and (b) resilience forums are consulted on the scope of the proposed public inquiry into the covid-19 outbreak.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
27th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he plans to take to ensure that NHS staff are consulted on the scope of the proposed public inquiry into the covid-19 outbreak.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
27th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he plans to take to ensure that hon. Members are consulted on the scope of proposed public inquiry into the covid-19 outbreak.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
27th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how he plans to engage with families that have been bereaved as a result of the covid-19 outbreak to ensure that they can contribute to the scope of the proposed inquiry into that outbreak.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
24th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many excess deaths there have been in each month since January 2018.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
21st May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reasons more than 30 people are allowed to attend a worship service while weddings are restricted to 30 people during stage three of the covid-19 roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of lifting that limit in line with worship service restrictions.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
14th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, (a) what assessment he has made of adequacy of communication on the need for students to complete Census forms for both their home and term-time address, and ((b) whether fines will be administered to students who have not completed both versions of the Census.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
13th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to develop a Government conference centre on York Central development site.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
13th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason Census 2021 did not include gender identity on the forms required to be completed by students at their term-time address.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
13th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many cases of voter fraud have been identified in (a) York, (b) Yorkshire, (c) England and (d) UK in each of the last 10 years.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
13th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the extent to which people seeking support to complete Census 2021 experienced technical and communication problems in accessing that support.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
11th May 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have taken their own life in each month of the last five years.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
11th May 2021
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he has taken to establish the Civil Society Forum since the end of the transition period.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
19th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether people who have requested but not received paper Census 2021 forms will be subject to a fine.

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

19th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason there has been a delay in distributing paper census forms.

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

19th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reasons the information provided on the number of his Department's jobs that will be moved to York was different in the Answer of 15 April 2021 to Question 179241 and his oral contribution of 25 March 2021, Official Report, column 1038.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
12th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many Cabinet Office jobs he plans to relocate to York; and by when those jobs will be so relocated.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
12th Apr 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what framework the Government uses to determine which civil service jobs are relocated to which locations.

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.

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
4th Mar 2021
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will set up a helpline for MPs to seek guidance on constituency queries related to the reopening of the economy.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
28th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many (a) people and (b) people who are (i) women, (ii) disabled, (iii) BAME, (iv) under 25 years old, (v) who are over 55, (vi) who are over 60, (vii) who are over 65 years old have been made redundant in each month in 2020.

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

21st Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what (a) Government departments and (b) other public bodies his Department has considered for reloaction to York while assessing the potential merits of creating a Government hub in that city as part of the Government's levelling up agenda.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
21st Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the suitability of York as a location for a Government hub as part of the Government's levelling up agenda.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
11th Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have lost their job in each month in the last 15 years.

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

Julia Lopez
Minister on Leave (Minister of State)
2nd Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to bring forward legislative proposals on a trade agreement with the EU.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
1st Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of whether non-covid deaths in care homes at the peak of the outbreak were accurately recorded.

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

1st Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of (a) trends in the level of non-covid-19 deaths during the peak of the outbreak and (b) the level of those deaths which resulted directly from that outbreak.

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

1st Sep 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much his Department spent on scoping a potential move of the House of Lords to York.

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.

4th Jun 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish (a) the (i) number and (ii) type of underlying health conditions among and (b) the socio-economic status of people who have died from covid-19.

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

20th May 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make it his policy to extend payments for transmitting public service broadcasts to community broadcasters at the same level as commercial broadcasters.

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.

19th May 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish the framework for the future relationship with the EU.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
13th May 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the outstanding issues to be tackled in negotiations for a future UK-EU trade deal.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
11th May 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what date (a) weddings and (b) civil partnerships with (i) a small number of guests and (ii) social distancing measures can resume.

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

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
11th May 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the evidence base on which the Prime Minister made his statement to (a) the media on 10 May 2020 and (b) the House of Commons on 11 May 2020.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
6th May 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what equalities impact assessment the Government has made of the effect of (a) each financial package and (b) its approach to managing the public health risk in its response to the covid-19 outbreak.

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.

Penny Mordaunt
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
29th Apr 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure that the daily Government briefing on the covid-19 outbreak has live British Sign Language interpretation.

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.

15th Jan 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people in (a) York Central constituency, (b) the City of York and (c) Yorkshire and the Humber were employed on a zero-hours contract in (a) 2010-11 and (b) each subsequent year; and what steps his Department are taking to reduce that number.

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

15th Jan 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many and what proportion of the workforce in (a) York Central constituency and (b) City of York local authority area were employed on zero hours contracts in (a) 2015 and (b) each subsequent year.

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

15th Jan 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent estimate he has made of the number of people under 24 years of age that are in (a) training, (b) employment and (c) education in (i) York Central constituency, (ii) York Unitary Authority and (iii) England.

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.

10th Jan 2020
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate his Department has made of the average weekly gross earnings of (a) men, (b) women and (c) people working full-time in York in each year since 2015.

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

7th Jan 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the pay gap has been for each ethnic minority community recorded in each of the last 20 years.

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

7th Jan 2020
To ask the Cabinet Office, what the pay gap for disabled people has been in each of the last 20 years.

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

7th Jan 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people (a) aged under 16, (b) aged under 18, (c) aged under 21, (d) aged under 25 and (e) who are apprentices are employed on zero-hour contracts.

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

7th Jan 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many women are employed on zero-hour contracts.

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

7th Jan 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people are employed on zero-hour contracts.

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

7th Jan 2020
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the gender pay gap has been in each of the last 20 years.

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

16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will commission research into the causes of e-cycle battery fires.

During the Summer my department, through the Office for Product Safety and Standards, commissioned new research into the types of batteries used in e-bikes (lithium-ion batteries) from Warwick Manufacturing Group – which is part of the University of Warwick.

The research is looking at the root causes of such fires so that evidence driven, targeted and effective action can be taken to tackle the issue.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
15th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to encourage (a) small retail and hospitality and (b) other small business to (i) take on apprentices and (ii) work as a consortium to support an apprentice.

Government is increasing investment in apprenticeships to £2.7 billion by 2024/25. This will support apprenticeships across all employers, including SMEs where we continue to pay at least 95% of their training costs. The Department for Education has removed the limit of funding 10 apprentices a year in SMEs and made it easier to register to take on an apprentice.

Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are working with businesses to consider how best to strengthen recruitment, training, and retention.

The Retail Sector Council recently published a discussion document, Retail – The Great Enabler, inviting comments on the key challenges for the sector including skills and employment.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
15th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will take steps to ensure that the hospitality and retail sectors equip their staff with transferable skills.

We regularly meet with businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors to identify and address skills needs.

Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are working with businesses to consider how best to strengthen recruitment, training, and retention.

The Retail Sector Council recently published a discussion document, Retail – The Great Enabler, inviting comments on the key challenges for the sector including skills and employment.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
15th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will have discussions with representatives of the hospitality and retail sectors on the opportunities provided for their workers to develop leadership skills.

We regularly meet with businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors to identify and address skills needs.

Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are working with businesses to consider how best to strengthen recruitment, training, and retention.

The Retail Sector Council recently published a discussion document, Retail – The Great Enabler, inviting comments on the key challenges for the sector including skills and employment.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
15th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she is taking steps to help encourage people to enter careers in the (a) hospitality and (b) retail sectors.

We regularly meet with businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors to identify and address skills needs. Immediate support includes: £900m annually for dedicated Work Coaches, adding hospitality and catering qualifications to the Free Courses for Jobs (part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee).

A new employment scheme, The Hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP), has also been launched to upskill and match jobseekers with hospitality roles. Through the Hospitality Sector Council, we are working with businesses to consider how best to strengthen recruitment, training and retention.

The Retail Sector Council recently published a discussion document, Retail - The Great Enabler, inviting comments on the key challenges for the sector including skills and employment.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many companies were prosecuted for selling imported goods that did not meet UK safety standards in each of the last five years.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate she has made of what proportion of imported (a) consumer electronics and (b) electrical goods sold online meet relevant UK safety standards.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions she has had with major online retailers to help ensure products sold to UK consumers on their platforms meet UK safety standards.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to increase consumer awareness of (a) UK Conformity Assessed marking and (b) how to verify that products bought online comply with UK safety standards.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
6th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to help ensure that sickness absences caused by bullying at work are tackled in good time.

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

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
1st Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the TUC report entitled Bullying at Work, published February 2019, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of that report’s findings on the prevalence of workplace bullying.

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

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
19th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment she has made of trends in (a) the level of economic activity on the high street and (b) the rate of (i) retail and (ii) hospitality outlets closing.

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

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will take steps to help improve workplace (a) investigations and (b) enforcement in companies where there is a culture of bullying at work.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will take steps to work with employers where there is a high prevalence of bullying cases.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to create a statutory definition of bullying at work.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps she has taken to reduce bullying in the workplace.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what guidance her Department provides workers on the legal protections available to them in cases of workplace (a) bullying, (b) harassment and (c) discrimination.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an estimate of the proportion of workplace bullying that takes place online.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has made an estimate of the number of working days that have been potentially lost due to bullying in the workplace in each of the last five years.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has made an estimate of the potential lost income to the economy as a result of bullying in the workplace in the last five years.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of bullying at work on levels of bullying in (a) schools and (b) other environments.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
5th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the impact of inflation on the construction industry.

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.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) (jointly with the Cabinet Office)
29th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has made a recent assessment of the implications for her policies of removing the (a) National Minimum Wage youth rate and (b) apprenticeship rate.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
26th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to clause 234E(1)(b) of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, if she will outline what reasonable steps she would expect a trade union to take in order to ensure that all members of the union who are identified in the work notice comply with that notice; and whether this instruction is compatible with (a) trade union governance structures and (b) the requirements of the Certification Officer.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many (a) businesses and (b) people filed for bankruptcy in (i) York, (ii) Yorkshire and the Humber and (iii) England in each year since 2015.

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:

Year

York

Yorkshire and the Humber

England

2015

102

1,850

13,913

2016

90

1,944

13,968

2017

61

1,857

13,976

2018

74

2,005

15,390

2019

99

2,140

16,554

2020

67

1,654

12,266

2021

86

2,103

13,701

2022

140

2,855

21,544

2023 (to 31 May)

38

1,164

9,682

The numbers of individuals who entered bankruptcy were:

Year

York

Yorkshire and the Humber

England

2015

47

1,558

14,808

2016

44

1,381

14,131

2017

47

1,362

14,220

2018

37

1,535

15,656

2019

39

1,474

15,801

2020

34

1,162

12,003

2021

15

766

8,232

2022

26

580

6,322

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the increase of the Bank of England base rate to five per cent on high street businesses.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
19th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of legislation protecting pregnant women from dismissal; and if she will take legislative steps to increase penalties on employers who dismiss staff while pregnant or on maternity leave.

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

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
19th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what further steps she plans to take with businesses to help ensure equal pro rata pay between full-time and part-time staff.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
19th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the impact of working from home policies on the gender pay gap.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
19th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of anti-bullying (a) policies and (b) legislation on the number of incidences of bullying at work.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
23rd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will take steps to encourage the use of alternative dispute mechanisms in the context of resolving collective disputes; and if she will make statement.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
23rd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will put back by 12 months commencement of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill once Royal Assent has been received to enable employers to consider its implementation.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
23rd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department has provided guidance on employees' potential rights of recourse where taking part in industrial action and strikes has resulted in (a) their dismissal and (b) other actions by their employer.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
23rd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she plans to introduce legislative proposals on extending employment rights in this Parliament.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
23rd May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will take steps to conduct further consultations with employers on the potential impact of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill on (a) levels of safety and (b) industrial relations.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring employers to allow staff to take leave during school holidays.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of flexible working arrangements for parents in employment.

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

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
30th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she is taking steps to encourage businesses to update their Corporate Social Responsibility polices.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she plans to take to support businesses with increasing productivity.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
1st Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to create a legal definition of bullying at work.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
1st Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle workplace bullying and harassment.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
1st Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of statutory protections for someone who has experienced (a) bullying and (b) harassment at work.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
31st Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact on levels of loneliness and social isolation among affected people of workplace (a) harassment and (b) discrimination and bullying; and if he will take steps to encourage employers to introduce policies on harassment and bullying which aim to reduce those levels.

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.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the cost effectiveness of ground source heat pump energy production in (a) the UK and (b) North Yorkshire.

The Department has conducted and published research on the cost effectiveness of heat pump technology, including ground source heat pumps, such as the ‘Cost of installing heating measures in domestic properties’ report available here. Research indicates ground source heat pumps are a highly efficient, mature technology capable of decarbonising heating in many UK homes.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether her Department plans to (a) scope and (b) scale the production of energy through ground source heat pump technology.

The Government is implementing a range of measures to support and scale up the market for heat pumps, including ground source heat pump technology. This includes grants of £7,500 for new heat pump installations under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and investment in training and manufacturing to support the growth of the heat pump supply chain.

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme Installation Database indicates that, across the UK, over 30,800 certified ground source heat pumps have been installed since 2009. The database does not include all heat pump installations, for example, those installed without Government funding support, such as in new buildings.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the potential risks of generating ground source heat pump energy; and what plans she has to mitigate these.

Ground-source heat pumps are a mature technology that provide efficient, low carbon heating to buildings. Any risks associated with their deployment and use are managed through Building Regulations, and environmental permitting administered by the Environment Agency.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what funding her Department plans to provide for research on (a) ground source heat pump technology and (b) good practice in the (i) extraction, (ii) conservation and (iii) distribution of energy produced by such technology.

The Department carries out a range of research to inform the evidence base to meet Net Zero policy aims. Future research may include assessment of ground-source heat pumps amongst other technologies to deliver the transition to low carbon heating. Good practice guidance is available for extraction and the efficient distribution of energy using the technology.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of the potential carbon cost of ground source heat energy production.

The Department has conducted analysis on the carbon impacts of a range of heating technologies. Heat pumps – including ground source heat pumps – can currently reduce carbon emissions by around 60% or more compared to a gas boiler and this will increase as the power sector decarbonises.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will publish his Department's priorities for COP28.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of geothermal energy production in comparison to (a) nuclear energy, (b) hydrogen energy and (c) renewable energy production.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the suitability of (a) York and (b) North Yorkshire as a location for geothermal energy production.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to ensure that households on prepayment meters are prioritised for the roll out of (a) heat pumps and (b) other low cost energy sources.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what action he plans to take in cases where British Gas fail to refund former Ebico customers their credit and associated court costs.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
5th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to create a grant scheme for the hospitality sector to help cover rising energy bills.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
24th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the recent impact of energy costs on businesses in the hospitality sector; and if he will make it his policy to provide additional financial support to those businesses for those purposes.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
24th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will require energy providers to offer consumer prices which 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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
24th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he is taking steps it help ensure that costs charged by energy companies to customers reflect changes in the level of 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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
15th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to strengthen the powers of Ofgem.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
15th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the credit owed to domestic customers following the transfer of business from Ebico to British Gas; and what plans he has to help those customers recover court-assessed costs.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
15th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will discuss with British Gas access for former Ebico customers to their credit and any court-assessed costs.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
15th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help ensure that British Gas allows former Ebico customers access to their credit.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
10th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much his Department has spent on (a) home insulation and (b) retrofitting in each year since 2010.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many community energy initiatives have been established since 13 January 2023.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Ofgem's guidance on refraining from involuntary installations of prepayment meters from customers over 85 years old; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of preventing companies from involuntarily installing these meters for all pensioners.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Ofgem's (a) Code of Practice on involuntary prepayment installations and (b) guidance on pre-payment meters for residents with severe health issues.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
19th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of an energy social tariff; and if he will run a pilot.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what grants his Department provides to (a) individuals and (b) businesses to promote energy efficiency.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy to phase out use of biomass.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his priorities are for tackling climate change.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of skills to (a) maintain and (b) retrofit homes and other buildings to (i) allow them to retain more heat and (ii) make them more sustainable.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what information his Department holds on how many homes have (a) solar panels, (b) heat pumps and (c) other renewable energy sources in (i) York and (ii) England; and what steps he plans to take to help increase those figures.

(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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to encourage microgeneration of energy within the UK.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero about the potential for businesses to feed into the energy grid through the installation of micro-renewable energy generation systems.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he has made an assessment of the potential merits of encouraging businesses to generate renewable energy and provide surplus to the energy grid.

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).

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to encourage businesses to retrofit their premises to reduce energy use.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to provide further support to businesses towards installation of energy saving measures.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps is he is taking to help (a) retail and (b) hospitality businesses with energy costs.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
17th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what methodology his Department used to assess the impact of energy costs on small businesses; and whether he plans to introduce further support to businesses for energy costs after 1 April 2023.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
14th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he has made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring energy companies to cover the costs of any differential between a standard customer tariff and a prepayment customer tariff.

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.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a compensation scheme for people who had prepayment meters installed without due diligence taking place.

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.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when the evaluation of the reformed Warm Home Discount scheme will commence; and if he will include in that evaluation evidence from energy suppliers on the number of claimants who received payment in 2021-22 but were not able to meet the criteria under the new scheme in 2022-23.

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.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
17th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 10 February 2023 to Question 140142 on Energy: Meters, when Ofgem will make that assessment of energy payment methods.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will ask local authorities to identify opportunities for developing (a) onshore wind, (b) solar energy, (c) ground source heating and (d) other sustainable energy sources in their area.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department plans to take to assess opportunities for community energy generation.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with on (a) Ofgem and (b) energy suppliers on ensuring that prepayment meter customers do not pay more for their 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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to provide compensation to people who have had prepayment meters installed where an energy company has not followed its regulatory obligations.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps with Ofgem to require energy companies to assess the reasons for which customers cannot afford their energy tariff prior to moving them onto prepayment meters.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help households return to monthly energy contracts following forced installation of prepayment meters.

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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on (a) reducing the use of and (b) ending animal testing.

DSIT Ministers work with colleagues on a range of science, innovation and technology issues, including on the use of animals in research. This is the responsibility of a number of Government Departments and officials across these Departments continue to work together to support the delivery of important scientific research and the protection of animals.

Andrew Griffith
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of taking steps to help increase domestic micro-mobility (a) research and (b) manufacturing.

Micromobility vehicles are zero emission, small, convenient and cheap compared to cars and present an opportunity for British businesses to create new products with global appeal. That is why Innovate UK and the Connected Place Catapult co-founded and created the Micro-Mobility forum, helping to maximise the industrial and economic opportunity of micro mobility for the UK. Innovate UK commissioned research published in April 2021: “Micromobility in the UK: Assessing the innovation opportunity”. In 2022, The High Value Manufacturing Catapult published Micromobility - a UK Roadmap

Andrew Griffith
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions she has had with the life sciences sector on collaboration by UK scientists with research bases in the EU.

We are moving forward with discussions on the UK’s involvement in Horizon Europe and hope these will be successful. That is our preference. We will continue to engage with representatives across the sector, including the life science research sector, as these discussions progress.

More generally, the Office for Life Sciences works to ensure that initiatives such as the Scale-up Visa, the Department for Business and Trade Global Talent Network, and Cabinet Office GREAT Campaign consider the needs of the Life Sciences sector and help bring in world-class overseas talent.

12th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions she has had with the life science research sector on (a) the recruitment of scientists from EU countries and (b) the Horizon programme.

We are moving forward with discussions on the UK’s involvement in Horizon Europe and hope these will be successful. That is our preference. We will continue to engage with representatives across the sector, including the life science research sector, as these discussions progress.

More generally, the Office for Life Sciences works to ensure that initiatives such as the Scale-up Visa, the Department for Business and Trade Global Talent Network, and Cabinet Office GREAT Campaign consider the needs of the Life Sciences sector and help bring in world-class overseas talent.

15th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps to help provide access to digital audio content for (a) people from disadvantaged backgrounds, (b) older people and (c) other people.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is responsible for coordinating HM Government’s digital inclusion policy, and aims to ensure that as many people as possible, no matter their age or background, can overcome the barriers of digital inclusion and make the most of digital opportunities.

The Government is working to remove barriers and ensure that online services, including digital audio content, is as inclusive as possible by making public sector websites accessible to as many people as possible. The accessibility regulations ensure that websites and mobile apps are designed to be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. Furthermore, assisted digital support services aim to increase digital inclusion for those online users who lack digital confidence, digital skills or access to the internet.

John Whittingdale
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the report of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research entitled The role of review and regulatory approvals processes for animal research in supporting implementation of the 3Rs published in 2023, whether she plans to take steps to support the formation of expert groups to (a) review and (b) publish analysis of research on the replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in research.

The Government is currently considering the independent report of February 2023, commissioned by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research. The Government supports and funds the dissemination of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) through UK Research and Innovation’s funding of the National Centre for the 3Rs, which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of non-animal technologies, and through research into the development of alternatives by Innovate UK, the Medical Research Council, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

25th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the report of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research entitled The role of review and regulatory approvals processes for animal research in supporting implementation of the 3Rs published in 2023, whether she plans to make additional funding available to UK Research and Innovation grant holders to support the validation of replacement technologies for animal testing.

The Government is committed to the development of alternatives to using animals in scientific procedures and continues to actively support and fund the development and dissemination of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) for the use of animals in scientific procedures. This is achieved through UK Research and Innovation’s funding of the National Centre for the 3Rs, which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of non-animal technologies, and through research into the development of alternatives by Innovate UK, the Medical Research Council, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. There are currently no plans to make additional funding for validation available.

25th May 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the report of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research entitled The role of review and regulatory approvals processes for animal research in supporting implementation of the 3Rs published in 2023, what steps she plans to take to ensure that research projects funded by UK Research and Innovation do not use animals where replacement technologies could be used in their place.

The Government is considering the independent report of February 2023, commissioned by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research.

All research projects funded by UKRI undergo rigorous peer review which is expected to identify animal alternatives if they exist. Any project involving animals will also be required to go through the processes required by the Home Office.

16th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department are taking to (a) collaborate with international counterparts on research and innovation and (b) find international funding for research and innovation projects.

The Government aims to place research and innovation at the heart of international bilateral and multilateral relationships, to accelerate the UK’s global science and technology superpower ambitions and underpin the UK’s position as a global force for good. A key enabler will be the delivery of the new DSIT International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) with key partner countries which was announced in December 2022 with an initial budget of £119 million.

The Government continues to be ready to work constructively with the EU on a range of issues including UK association to Horizon Europe.

16th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to collaborate on research and innovation projects with EU countries.

The Government continues to be ready to work constructively with the EU and EU Member States on a range of issues including UK association to Horizon Europe. Most recently, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I met with the EU Ambassador to the UK on 14 March to discuss collaboration on science and research, including the Horizon Europe programme. The EU have not yet made any proposals to address the financial terms of UK association, given we are now over 2 years into a 7-year programme.

9th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that universities' plans for research and innovation are integrated into her Department's strategy.

The Government supports a range of policy interventions to ensure that the knowledge generated in universities has impact in the economy, for example:

Per year, £280m is invested in Higher Education Innovation Funding to support knowledge exchange between universities, business and other partners. Similarly, the Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research programme supports researchers to commercialise their research, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, funded through Innovate UK, offer early career researchers the opportunity to work, with business on innovative projects.

Research England are currently reviewing these programmes, to ensure that they meet the needs of universities, participants and support government objectives.

9th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to build international relationships in research, innovation and development to advance UK knowledge and ensure UK skills are recognised in the global research and innovation community.

The Government aims to place research and innovation at the heart of international bilateral and multilateral relationships, to accelerate the UK’s global science and technology superpower ambitions and underpin the UK’s position as a global force for good. A key enabler will be the delivery of the new DSIT International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) with key partner countries which was announced in December 2022 with an initial budget of £119 million.

The Government continues to be ready to work constructively with the EU on a range of issues including UK association to Horizon Europe.

9th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to build a UK investment platform to support the growth of British research, innovation and development.

The UK Innovation Strategy sets out the Government’s vision to make the UK a global hub for innovation by 2035, placing innovation at the heart of the UK and economic research strategies. It aims to boost private sector investment, creating the right conditions for businesses to innovate and grow.

We are working closely with partners across the innovation ecosystem to deliver that vision. Innovate UK’s online innovation hub, for example, will support businesses to search for the wide variety of government support, including investment, across the innovation landscape. We are also mapping the UK innovation clusters to highlight the opportunities across the UK.

6th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what (a) priorities and (b) targets she has for her Department's work; and what factors she took into consideration when identifying those priorities and targets.

On March 6th, the Department published the Science and Technology Framework, which sets out the Government’s goals and vision for science and technology in an enduring framework that will see us through to 2030.The Framework has been developed in close collaboration with the UK science and technology sector, and is the strategic framework that government policy will deliver against, and which the government will hold itself accountable to.

Later this year, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will publish its Outcome Delivery Plan. This will include the Department’s priority outcomes, associated delivery plans, metrics to track progress and key risks.

6th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what funding the Government (a) has provided and (b) plans to provide in the next two years to support the development of clusters of innovative research and development firms.

Strengthening clusters is a top priority for building our Innovation Nation. More places hosting world-leading and globally connected innovation clusters will create more jobs, productivity and growth. By September, we will publish an interactive digital tool that will map these clusters, helping us attract investment and inform future policy.

Several programmes, all closely involving local stakeholders, already support innovation clusters. For example, we are investing £100m to pilot Innovation Accelerators in three city regions, helping them become major, globally competitive centres for research and innovation, and the Investment Zones programme will catalyse some of the highest potential knowledge-intensive growth clusters.

6th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to publish a strategy for her Department on (a) growing economic clusters and (b) engaging with local stakeholders.

Strengthening clusters is a top priority for building our Innovation Nation. More places hosting world-leading and globally connected innovation clusters will create more jobs, productivity and growth. By September, we will publish an interactive digital tool that will map these clusters, helping us attract investment and inform future policy.

Several programmes, all closely involving local stakeholders, already support innovation clusters. For example, we are investing £100m to pilot Innovation Accelerators in three city regions, helping them become major, globally competitive centres for research and innovation, and the Investment Zones programme will catalyse some of the highest potential knowledge-intensive growth clusters.

6th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to help ensure that progress on the development of industrial clusters of economic excellence is measured; and what funding is (a) available and (b) planned for these clusters.

Strengthening clusters is a top priority for building our Innovation Nation. More places hosting world-leading and globally connected innovation clusters will create more jobs, productivity and growth. By September, we will publish an interactive digital tool that will map these clusters, helping us attract investment and inform future policy.

Several programmes, all closely involving local stakeholders, already support innovation clusters. For example, we are investing £100m to pilot Innovation Accelerators in three city regions, helping them become major, globally competitive centres for research and innovation, and the Investment Zones programme will catalyse some of the highest potential knowledge-intensive growth clusters.

6th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to help ensure that research programmes based in universities integrate with innovations from her Department.

There are a wide range of policy interventions to ensure that the knowledge generated in universities has impact in the economy, for example:

The Government invests £280m a year in Higher Education Innovation Funding to support knowledge exchange between universities, business and other partners. Similarly, the Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research (ICURe) programme supports researchers to commercialise their research, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), funded through Innovate UK, offer early career researchers the opportunity to work, with business on innovative projects.

Research England are currently conducting a review these knowledge exchange programmes, to ensure that they meet the needs of participants, support government objectives and fit together coherently.

9th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent steps she has taken to counter Russian misinformation.

The Government takes the issue of disinformation (defined as false information which is intended to mislead) and misinformation (defined as false information disseminated without intent to mislead) seriously. The DSIT-led Counter Disinformation Unit (CDU) is working to identify and counter Russian disinformation targeted at UK audiences.

The CDU works to understand overall trends and coordinated attempts to artificially manipulate the information environment. We work closely with social media platforms including to encourage them to ensure that their policies and enforcement are fit for purpose and consistently applied, whilst still respecting freedom of expression. Though not its primary purpose, where the Unit does identify content which may violate platforms’ Terms of Service, these are referred to the relevant platform for consideration, who in turn decide what action to take.

To identify and counter Russia’s propaganda and disinformation targeted at UK and international audiences, the Government Information Cell (GIC) has been established. The Cell specifically supports the UK's response to Russian disinformation relating to their invasion of Ukraine.

We have also taken action to ban Russian propaganda online, including through sanctions against the worst offenders. Ofcom oversees the obligation on all UK-based entities to prevent access to propaganda services provided by state-owned entities Rossiya Segodnya and ANO TV Novosti, which owns RT.

Under the Online Safety Bill, all social media companies subject to the safety duties will be required to take measures to remove illegal misinformation and disinformation once they become aware of it and to take proactive action against state-sponsored disinformation that is of most concern.

8th Feb 2023
To ask Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to support BioYorkshire; and what assessment she has made of the adequacy of funding for that programme.

The York and North Yorkshire proposed devolution deal signed on 1 August 2022 commits UKRI to seek opportunities to support the development of the BioYorkshire cluster. An inaugural meeting of the BioYorkshire Steering Group took place on 29 November 2022 with representation from UKRI on the Group. It was agreed that the University of York, working with local partners, would develop a BioYorkshire masterplan and programme by Spring 2023 to drive the cluster’s growth. UKRI continue to engage stakeholders to understand the evolving strategy and strengths of the BioYorkshire cluster and to identify elements within this plan for UKRI support.

8th Feb 2023
To ask Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on funding university research; and how that responsibility is shared between her Department and the Department for Education.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is responsible for general policy on university research funding and through UKRI, is the principal public funder of university research. The Department for Education is responsible for higher education policy. There are regular discussions and joint working on areas of common interest across both departments.

8th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to take steps with universities to help those institutions to develop local economies and identify areas where growth is possible.

Universities play important roles in their local economies including through education and skills, undertaking research, working with local businesses and also as large employers.

The Department supports universities to further this economic role. This includes funding streams such as Higher Education Innovation Funding which incentivises universities to work with business, public and third sector organisations to exchange knowledge and increase the economic and societal benefit from their work.

Additionally, the Government is committed to supporting regional growth across the UK and has pledged to increase domestic public investment in R&D outside the Greater South East by at least 40% by 2030. Last year we launched 3 Innovation Accelerators (Glasgow, West Midlands and Greater Manchester) with £100m, and we are currently working on a new and interactive cluster mapping tool.

8th Feb 2023
To ask Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will have discussions with (a) the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and (b) local authorities on the potential for investment in employment opportunities through regeneration projects.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a number of issues. Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on a quarterly basis and are available on GOV.UK.

8th Feb 2023
To ask Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department plans to take to assess new opportunities for investment and growth within its remit.

The Government’s Science and Technology Framework recognises that investment in Science and Technology is vital for economic growth, and sets out ten strands of activity that will help create new opportunities. The UK has a firm plan for driving growth, including by taking steps on critical technologies and sectors, with commitments to spend: £650 million on Life Sciences; up to £1 billion of government investment for the UK’s Semiconductors sector; and £2.5 billion in funding quantum technologies.

26th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many people in (a) York local authority area, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England who received help from the Warm Home Discount Scheme in 2021-2022 have been sent a letter saying they are not entitled to the help in 2022-2023 because under the new criteria they are not considered to have have high energy costs.

Low-income households apply through their suppliers, who set their own application processes and eligibility criteria. Therefore the Government does not have data on how many people received a rebate in 2021/22 who are not eligible for a rebate this year.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
26th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many people in (a) York Local Authority Area, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England in receipt of Savings Credit received help from the Warm Home Discount Scheme in 2021-22.

Low-income households apply through their suppliers, who set their own application processes and eligibility criteria. Therefore the Government does not have data on how many people in receipt of Pension Savings Credit received a Warm Home Discount rebate in 2021/22.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
26th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what data his Department holds on the number of domestic properties in (a) York local authority, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England deemed to have high energy costs based on the property’s characteristics of (i) type, (ii) age and (iii) floor area in the context of a modelled energy cost score.

The table below provides the (rounded) number of domestic properties calculated to have a high energy cost score based on Valuation Office Agency and, where missing, imputed property characteristic data for the 2022/23 scheme year:

Area

Number with a high energy cost score

York local authority

44,000

Yorkshire and the Humber

1,230,000

England

12,330,000

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
26th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what proportion of domestic properties in (a) York local authority, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) England are deemed to have high modelled energy costs based on the property’s characteristics of (i) type, (ii) age and (iii) floor area.

The table below provides the proportion of domestic properties calculated to have a high energy cost score based on Valuation Office Agency and, where missing, imputed property characteristic data for the 2022/23 scheme year:

Area

Proportion with a high energy cost score

York local authority

48%

Yorkshire and the Humber

50%

England

50%

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
26th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his proposed energy package from April 2023 on (a) hospitality, (b) retail and (C) all other types of business.

The new Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) will run from April until March 2024 and will continue to provide a discount to eligible businesses. An HMT led review into the operation of the current Energy Bill Relief Schemes was conducted with the objective of significantly reducing the overall burden on the taxpayer/public finances, and ensuring support is targeted at those most in need and unable to adjust to recent energy price rises. The review considered a range of qualitative and quantitative evidence, including input from businesses and stakeholders. The new scheme strikes a balance between supporting non-domestic customers and limiting taxpayer’s exposure to volatile energy markets, with a cap set at £5.5 billion.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking to help energy companies share data about which customers are on pre-payment schemes.

In order to drive improvements, Ofgem conducted a market compliance review in addressing weaknesses related to prepayment meters and ensuring suppliers take action to address such issues. In response to continued concerns with prepayment meters, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State has recently written to Ofgem and suppliers to ask that they revisit such concerns and improve compliance including assessing suppliers’ processes for installing prepayment meters.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of requesting that energy companies (a) hand deliver or (b) post energy support prepayment meter cards to customers to help increase their usage.

The Government continues to work with suppliers to communicate the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the importance of customers checking post, emails and text for prepayment meter vouchers and taking action to redeem them.

Suppliers have an obligation to make a minimum of three attempts by at least two different methods (post, email, text, special action message) to contact customers who have not redeemed their voucher. Some suppliers are visiting relevant customers’ homes. Vouchers are valid for 90 days. Replacement vouchers can be issued but all vouchers must be redeemed by 30 June 2023.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that partner agencies promote the energy support to customers on pre-payment meters.

The Government works with all relevant suppliers, and charities, consumer groups and other stakeholders to communicate the Energy Bills Support Scheme and the importance of customers checking post, emails and text for prepayment meter vouchers and taking action to redeem them.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the letter sent by the Minister of State for Energy and Climate to all Members on 25 November 2022 entitled Energy Bills Support in Great Britain: Complex Cases, what steps his Department is taking to communicate to affected people the timescale for making those payments to park home residents.

On 19 December, the Government publicly announced that the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding (EBSS AF) will launch in 2023 to eligible households in Great Britain. The Government will communicate when the new scheme is live, which is anticipated to be on or before 27th February. It is working closely with stakeholder groups and representative bodies, including park home associations, to update them on progress and ensure those eligible are made fully aware of the scheme and encouraged to apply.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing ongoing support for energy costs to the charity sector; and whether his Department is taking steps to provide that support to charities after March 2023.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) provides a discount on the wholesale element of gas and electricity bills to ensure that eligible charities are protected from excessively high energy costs over the winter period. Following an HMT-led review into the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme will run from April until March 2024 and will continue to provide a discount to eligible non-domestic customers including charities. The new scheme strikes a balance between supporting non-domestic customers over the next 12 months and limiting taxpayer’s exposure to volatile energy markets, with a cap set at £5.5 billion.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent estimate he has made of the average increase in energy costs of pubs; and if he will make assessment of the potential merits of providing further support to pubs in the context of energy costs.

The Government recognises these are difficult times for pubs and it will continue to provide support through the Energy Bill Discount Scheme once the Energy Bill Relief Scheme comes to an end on 31 March. The Government is also helping the industry, cutting business rates by 75% as well as a six-month extension to the alcohol duty freeze.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that hospices have sufficient funding to cover energy costs.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme provides a discount on the wholesale element of gas and electricity bills to ensure that all eligible charities, including hospices, are protected from high energy costs over the winter period. Following an HMT-led review, the new Energy Bill Discount Scheme, will run from April until March 2024 and will continue to provide a discount to eligible non-domestic customers, including hospices. The new scheme strikes a balance between supporting businesses, charities and other non-domestic customer over the next 12 months and limiting taxpayer’s exposure to volatile energy markets, with a cap set at £5.5 billion.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make it his policy to prevent energy companies from requiring customers to move onto energy pre-payment meters if those customers (a) do not have children, (b) are disabled or medically unwell and (c) are in a state of economic deprivation and have not provided consent.

Ofgem has rules in place that restrict the force-fitting of prepayment meters on consumers in vulnerable situations. Energy suppliers are required to follow specific processes before switching a customer to a prepayment meter. This includes considerations of whether a consumer’s vulnerability makes a prepayment meter a poor choice, for example where a consumer is ill or disabled. Ofgem requires all suppliers to provide a Priority Services Register for vulnerable consumers with additional, non-financial needs.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that Ofgem effectively scrutinises the practice of energy companies moving customers onto energy pre-payment meters.

Ofgem has extensive rules in place in relation to protecting prepayment meter customers. Suppliers may only install prepayment meters without consent (force-fitting) to recover debt as a last resort and Ofgem expects all other routes of debt recovery to have been exhausted before a supplier fits a prepay meter. Suppliers must make sure that whenever they install a prepayment meter, they verify that it is safe and reasonably practicable to do so, considering whether a consumer’s vulnerability makes a prepayment meter a poor choice, for example where medical equipment is required. This includes when switching a smart meter to prepayment mode.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking steps to ensure that energy companies conduct appropriate scrutiny of customers they propose to adopt energy pre-payment meters.

Oversight of energy suppliers is for the independent regulator Ofgem. As part of its market-wide Compliance Reviews into Consumers in Payment Difficulty and Vulnerability, Ofgem engaged with suppliers and sought action to improve processes on prepayment practices.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies if minimum service levels agreed on strike days exceed those levels on non-strike days.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill will ensure crucial public services such as rail, ambulance services, and fire services maintain a minimum service during industrial action, reducing risk to lives and livelihoods.

The Department is conducting an economic impact assessment of the Bill. This will be published shortly.

The Bill also sets out a requirement that Departments must consult widely before making minimum service regulations in a relevant area.

The sectors to which this legislation will apply to are named in the Bill. This does not include the military or the police.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing local NHS trusts to determine suitable minimum service levels for their respective services.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill will ensure crucial public services such as rail, ambulance services, and fire services maintain a minimum service during industrial action, reducing risk to lives and livelihoods.

The Department is conducting an economic impact assessment of the Bill. This will be published shortly.

The Bill also sets out a requirement that Departments must consult widely before making minimum service regulations in a relevant area.

The sectors to which this legislation will apply to are named in the Bill. This does not include the military or the police.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of applying the measures included within the Strike (Minimum Service Levels) Bill to the (a) military and (b) police.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill will ensure crucial public services such as rail, ambulance services, and fire services maintain a minimum service during industrial action, reducing risk to lives and livelihoods.

The Department is conducting an economic impact assessment of the Bill. This will be published shortly.

The Bill also sets out a requirement that Departments must consult widely before making minimum service regulations in a relevant area.

The sectors to which this legislation will apply to are named in the Bill. This does not include the military or the police.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what comparative assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) strikes and (b) work to rule on potential level of disruption experienced by the services listed in his Strike (Minimum Service Levels) Bill.

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill will ensure crucial public services such as rail, ambulance services, and fire services maintain a minimum service during industrial action, reducing risk to lives and livelihoods.

The Department is conducting an economic impact assessment of the Bill. This will be published shortly.

The Bill also sets out a requirement that Departments must consult widely before making minimum service regulations in a relevant area.

The sectors to which this legislation will apply to are named in the Bill. This does not include the military or the police.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to help ensure energy providers consider the personal circumstances of customers prior to switching them on to a prepayment (a) tariffs and (b) meters.

Ofgem has rules in place that restrict the force-fitting of a prepayment meter on customers who are in debt, except as a last resort. This includes considerations of whether a consumer’s vulnerability makes a prepayment meter a poor choice, for example where medical equipment is required, there is a child under five, or someone in the household has a disability. Suppliers are required to follow specific processes before switching a customer to a prepayment tariff or meter, which are monitored by Ofgem.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
12th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an assessment of the Citizens Advice Report Kept in the dark - The urgent need for action on prepayment meters.

There are strict Ofgem rules in place to protect prepayment meter customers. Installing prepayment meters without consent to recover debt must be a last resort. If suppliers install a prepayment meter, they must verify that it is safe and reasonably practicable to do so.

Ofgem has recently conducted a Market Compliance Review assessing how suppliers support customers in vulnerable situations, including assessing suppliers’ processes for installing prepayment meters. To drive improvements, Ofgem has started compliance engagement with suppliers and required them to take action to address the weaknesses that have been identified. The Government expects suppliers to comply fully with their obligations and welcomes the steps Ofgem is taking.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
11th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he plans to take to negotiate with trade unions who have balloted for industrial action.

It is up to unions to negotiate with employers, we encourage them to do so. Strikes should always be a last resort. In relation to disputes in the public sector, the Government has reached out to the relevant trade unions to invite them to discuss how to end disputes and agree fair and affordable pay settlements for 2023 to 2024.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring that the Government hold discussions with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service before applying the provisions of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill.

This Government has been clear that it does not want to use this legislation in a service area unless it has to.

The legislation is also clear that before making regulations setting out what is an appropriate minimum level of service in a particular area the Secretary of State must consult such persons as they consider appropriate.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
11th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill on union members undertaking sustained periods of (a) work to rule and (b) other action short of a strike.

The Government is currently finalising the impact assessment for Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill and intends to publish this shortly.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
10th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to help ensure energy companies notify customers before increasing direct debit payments.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote to energy companies on 26 November asking them to make their systems more responsive so that direct debits better reflect the amount of energy being used. It is also an area of focus for Ofgem’s Market Compliance Reviews where Ofgem have taken steps to ensure credit balances are kept at an appropriate level and that direct debits are not set too high. The latest review can be found here:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/ofgem-launches-new-proposals-strengthen-energy-market-and-protect-consumers.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to encourage energy providers to reduce direct debit payments from customers with accounts in credit.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote to energy companies on 26 November asking them to make their systems more responsive so that direct debits better reflect the amount of energy used. It is also an area of focus for Ofgem’s Market Compliance Reviews where Ofgem have taken steps to ensure credit balances are kept at an appropriate level and that direct debits are not set too high. The latest review can be found here https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/ofgem-launches-new-proposals-strengthen-energy-market-and-protect-consumers.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the impact on low-income households of the prices charged by energy companies to customers with pre-payment meters; and if he will take steps to ensure that energy companies do not impose higher charges for energy on customers with pre-payment meters as a result of their payment method.

The energy Supply Licence Conditions state that the difference in price between methods of supplying energy must reflect the actual cost to the supplier for that method. The costs of managing PPMs compared to standard meters are higher due to the different metering requirements and different payment systems. Ofgem is responsible for monitoring compliance with these terms.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department is taking steps to prevent debt collectors and bailiffs from making demands on people who are (a) behind with their energy payments and (b) in fuel poverty.

The Government introduced the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme which aims to address consumers’ ability to tackle debt and offers legal protections from creditors for 60 days. Under Ofgem rules, energy companies must set appropriate repayment plans based on a customer’s ability to pay, for those at risk of or in debt.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an estimate of the number of households that have been visited by (a) debt collectors and (b) bailiffs due to the non-payment of energy bills in the last 12 months; and whether his Department is taking steps to monitor trends in this data.

The Government and the independent regulator, Ofgem, do not collect data about actions on individual customer accounts. The Government introduced the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme which aims to address consumers’ ability to tackle debt and offers legal protections from creditors for 60 days. Under Ofgem rules, energy companies must set appropriate repayment plans based on a customer’s ability to pay, for those at risk of or in debt.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 29 November 2022 to Question 92266 on Climate Change Convention, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of opening a new coal mine in Cumbria on the Government's priorities for COP28.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has agreed to grant planning permission for a new coking coal mine in Cumbria, The reasons for the Secretary of State’s decision are set out in full in his published letter, which takes into account matters like the demand for coal, climate change and impact on the local economy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/called-in-decision-former-marchon-site-pow-beck-valley-and-area-from-the-former-marchon-site-to-st-bees-coast-whitehaven-cumbria-ref-3271069-7.

The UK remains committed to playing a leadership role on the global stage on tackling climate change, including through implementing its ambitious net zero commitment and NDC; both of which align with the Paris temperature goal, and in delivering the Glasgow Climate Pact to keep 1.5 in reach.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the cost of energy for unpaid carers; and if he would take steps to provide additional assistance to unpaid carers to help fund their energy costs.

The Government is delivering the Energy Bills Support Scheme, a £400 non-repayable grant to support all families with their energy bills. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household in Great Britain £900 this Winter.

The Government is currently reviewing the EPG. This consultation will explore the best ways to ensure that vulnerable high energy users, such as those with medical requirements, are not put at risk of having to pay more. Households on means tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Tax Credits, were also granted a payment of £650 this year between the summer and November paid automatically in two instalments to support with energy bills

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
14th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to provide disabled people with further energy financial support.

The Government is delivering the Energy Bills Support Scheme, a £400 non-repayable grant to support all families with their energy bills. The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will save a typical household in Great Britain £900 this Winter.

In addition, disabled people are also entitled to a one-off £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment. The Government is currently reviewing the EPG. This consultation will explore the best ways to ensure that vulnerable high energy users, such as those with medical requirements, are not put at risk of having to pay more.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reviewing Royal Mail Group's governance arrangements.

No such assessment has been made.

As a private business, Royal Mail’s strategic decisions are matters for its Board and shareholders. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s governance arrangements.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the Royal Mail on the financial position of the business.

Ministers and officials meet with Royal Mail regularly to discuss a range of issues in its role as the universal postal service provider.

Under the Postal Services Act 2011, Ofcom has powers to regulate the provision of a financially sustainable and efficient UK universal postal service.

Ofcom operates a monitoring regime that seeks to identify any threats or risks to the universal postal service. It publishes an annual summary which includes an assessment of Royal Mail’s overall financial position:

www.ofcom.org.uk/postal-services/information-for-the-postal-industry/monitoring_reports.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking further steps to support consumers in response to increases to the energy price cap.

Through the Energy Price Guarantee, the Government has ensured that consumers are not exposed to the significant increases in the price cap announced by Ofgem recently. The EPG reduces the amount a household can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. Until the end of March 2023, a typical household in Great Britain will spend around £2,500 on their energy bills. During this period households will see no significant changes to their tariffs.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking further steps to support businesses in response to increases to the energy price cap.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) provides a price reduction to ensure that all eligible businesses are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. The scheme applies to energy usage from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.

HM Treasury is conducting a review into additional support that could be made available from April 2023, following the end of the EBRS. Any support for businesses will be targeted to those most affected by high energy prices. Continuing support to those deemed eligible would begin at the end of the initial 6-month support scheme.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of partnering with Royal Mail to (a) help tackle wider civic challenges and (b) provide a service which supports people who are lonely or in need of regular contact for their own wellbeing.

The Government recognises the important role postal workers play in supporting local communities.

However, as a private business, it is for Royal Mail’s management to decide which initiatives it chooses to support. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s business decisions.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of a formal partnership between Royal Mail and other public services to help people isolated in communities.

The Government recognises the important role postal workers play in supporting local communities.

However, as a private business, it is for Royal Mail’s management to decide which initiatives it chooses to support. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s business decisions.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
9th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of Royal Mail on its future business strategy.

Ministers and officials meet with Royal Mail regularly to discuss a range of issues in its role as the universal postal service provider.

As a private business, Royal Mail’s strategic decisions are matters for its Board and shareholders. The Government does not have a role in Royal Mail’s business decisions.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to prevent energy black outs in York Central constituency; and what contingency measures are in place should blackouts occur.

The Government is confident in its plans to protect households and businesses in the full range of scenarios this winter. We continue to work closely with Ofgem, National Grid and other key industry organisations to monitor the energy supply horizon and prepare for the winter. Customers who are vulnerable during a power cut can sign up for the Priority Services Register and all customers can call 105 for emergency help and advice.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make it his policy to end the use of warrants to install pre-payment meters.

Neither the Government nor Ofgem, the independent regulator, collect this data at the constituency level.

Ofgem's latest data shows that the number of warrants exercised in Great Britain to install a pre-payment meter was 49,552 over 2021. Ofgem do not collect data on this in Northern Ireland.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many warrants have been granted to energy companies (a) nationally, (b) in York and (c) in York, Central constituency to move a customer to a pre-payment meter in each month of the last two years.

Neither the Government nor Ofgem, the independent regulator, collect this data at the constituency level.

Ofgem's latest data shows that the number of warrants exercised in Great Britain to install a pre-payment meter was 49,552 over 2021. Ofgem do not collect data on this in Northern Ireland.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to ban the use of pre-payment meters.

There are no plans to ban pre-payment meters. Pre-payment meters provide an important option that consumers can choose to assist with managing their energy payments. The independent regulator Ofgem has strict rules governing when suppliers can require a pre-payment meter to be installed and for protecting consumers who have one.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department plans to take further steps to support people who are in fuel poverty despite existing Government support for energy bills.

The Government is committed to tackling fuel poverty and supporting households both in the short and long term. Therefore, the Government is providing direct financial support for households this year in addition to established support including the Warm Home Discount.

The Government considers improving the energy efficiency of homes the best way to tackle fuel poverty and reduce energy costs in the long term. Energy efficiency measures are available to low income and vulnerable households through multiple schemes including the Energy Company Obligation, the Home Upgrade Grant, the Local Authority Delivery scheme and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make a comparative estimate of the number of (a) households that include a disabled person and (b) other households on a pre-payment meter.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy does not collect data on the number of households with a disabled person on pre-payment meters. Ofgem, the independent regulator, does not collect data at this level. Ofgem License Conditions restrict the installation of pre-payment meters for debt, specifying that a pre-payment meter has to be safe and practical. Under Ofgem guidance safety considerations include having a disability.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential correlation between levels of poverty and the use of pre-payment energy meters in the UK.

A household is in fuel poverty if they are on a lower income and unable to heat their home for a reasonable cost.

Data on fuel poverty and payment methods is published in the Fuel Poverty detailed tables 2022 at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fuel-poverty-detailed-tables-2022.

Ofgem's rules require suppliers to ensure prepayment meters are only installed if it is ‘safe and reasonably practicable’ to do so, and there are strong regulatory protections in place to support prepayment meter customers.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to ensure that energy companies are not able to switch people who are unable to pay their energy bills due to poverty onto pre-payment meters.

The energy regulator Ofgem has rules in place that restrict the force-fitting of a prepayment meter on customers who are in debt, except as a last resort.

Ofgem’s licence conditions obligate suppliers to provide appropriate support for those struggling to pay their bills by setting up repayment plans based on a customer’s ability to pay, and by directing the customer to support services.

Ofgem's rules also require energy suppliers to assess whether installing a prepayment meter, or the remote switching of a smart meter to prepayment mode, is safe and reasonably practicable for a customer. When making this assessment, suppliers are required to consider whether a customer’s vulnerability makes a prepayment meter a poor choice, for example where medical equipment is required.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make a comparative estimate with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care of the number children in (a) households in fuel poverty and (b) other households who have been diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus in each of the last five years.

The table below shows the estimated number of fuel poor households with dependent children and the estimated number of dependent children within those households in the last five years:

Fuel poor households with dependent child(ren) (000s)

Dependent children in fuel poor households (000s)

2016

1,612

3,197

2017

1,627

3,276

2018

1,434

2,963

2019

1,279

2,670

2020

1,272

2,728

The fuel poverty statistics are classified based on dependent children who are defined as those under 16 or 16-18 and in full-time education

Data does not exist on the number of households with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for each of the last 5 years. UKHSA produces a weekly surveillance report that details the number of cases - National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports: 2022 to 2023 season.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many households with children under the age of (a) one and (b) five have been placed on pre-payment meters in each of the last five years.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy does not collect data on the number of households with children on pre-payment meters. Ofgem, the independent regulator, does not collect data at this level. Ofgem License Conditions restrict the installation of pre-payment meters for debt, specifying that a pre-payment meter has to be safe and practical. Under Ofgem guidance safety considerations include having a child under the age of five.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will introduce a specific minimum wage for care workers.

The Government is incredibly proud of all our health and social care staff and recognise their extraordinary commitment. The staff who make up the paid social care workforce provide an invaluable service to the nation. Regarding a specific minimum wage for care workers, a single national rate is clear and simple for employers to understand that all workers must be paid the National Minimum Wage. The Government is on track to achieve its manifesto commitment for the NLW to equal two-thirds of median earnings by 2024. This Government has always and will continue to encourage employers to pay their workers more than the statutory minimum when they can afford to do so.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
29th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how he evaluates the economic benefits of business (a) incubators and (b) accelerators.

In the case of programmes that are funded directly by the Department, economic evaluation is carried out according to guidance set out in the Green Book: appraisal and evaluation in central government.

A report on the impact of incubators and accelerators on start-up businesses and on the wider business ecosystem was commissioned by the Department in 2019 and is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-impact-of-business-accelerators-and-incubators-in-the-uk. This found that most participating businesses considered the contribution of the incubator or accelerator as significant or vital to their success. The report also notes that “accelerators have positive spillover effects on the wider business ecosystem.”

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
29th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what economic benefits he has identified from business (a) incubators and (b) accelerators.

The potential economic benefits of business incubators and accelerators include improved business survival rates, faster growth and higher employment from participating companies as compared to the business population overall.

A study of incubators and accelerators carried out for the Department in 2019 used the following indicators:

  • the business’s perception of the impact of attending the programme;
  • growth in employees since attending;
  • change in proportion of employees that hold a degree;
  • change in development stage;
  • innovativeness (as perceived by the startup business);
  • number of patent applications;
  • R&D expenditure;
  • amount of investment raised.
Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
28th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has taken recent steps to help incentivise businesses to invest into local communities to help tackle poverty.

The Government works to secure business investment in sectors across the economy which brings jobs and prosperity to communities across the UK. For example, the £1.4bn Global Britain Investment Fund (GBIF) provides grants to encourage internationally mobile companies to invest in the automotive, life sciences and offshore wind sectors, where the UK has natural strengths and geographic spread.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to provide long term support to the hospitality sector.

This Department is working with the Hospitality Sector Council to deliver on our 2021 Hospitality Strategy to improve the resilience of hospitality businesses.

The Government recognise that hospitality businesses are facing cost pressures driven by global factors, including high energy and cost of living pressures.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme ensures that businesses are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period.

My Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer recently announced in his Autumn Statement that there will be an extended and increased relief for retail and hospitality businesses worth almost £13.6 billion. This is the most generous in year business rates relief in over 30 years, outside of Covid-19 support.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential challenges facing the hospitality sector in 2023.

This Department is working with the Hospitality Sector Council to deliver on our 2021 Hospitality Strategy to improve the resilience of hospitality businesses.

The Government recognise that hospitality businesses are facing cost pressures driven by global factors, including high energy and cost of living pressures.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme ensures that all businesses and other non-domestic customers are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period.

My Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer recently announced in his Autumn Statement that there will be an extended and increased relief for retail and hospitality businesses worth almost £13.6 billion. This is the most generous in year business rates relief in over 30 years, outside of Covid-19 support.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support his Department is providing to help support local business clusters.

The Government is supporting clusters across the country through targeted measures such as the Strength in Places Fund and is trialling new approaches of working more closely with high potential places through £100 million of investment for Innovation Accelerators.

Innovate UK also recently invited proposals for a series of Health and Life Science Accelerators that will support the development of early-stage health and life science businesses across the UK. These accelerators will recruit both existing spinouts and new start-ups to test their ideas and develop new concepts. The programmes are expected to start between January 2023 and March 2025.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to ensure that all businesses have access to business accelerators.

Business accelerators are widely available with approximately 180 programmes currently operating. These accelerators are backed by investment firms, corporations, and the public sector. They range from national programmes such as NatWest Accelerator, with thirteen hubs across the UK, to those with a local focus, such as Phase One based at the University of York and supporting businesses in their first year working within the digital, creative, technology and science sectors.

The availability of virtual and hybrid accelerator programmes means that all businesses potentially have access to these services, wherever they are located in the UK.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to assist businesses to grow; and how much funding his Department has allocated to financing business accelerators.

The Government seeks to make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a business, creating a supportive environment that gives businesses the stability and confidence they need to invest and grow.

The Hon. Member will be aware that York University recently joined the Northern Accelerator partnership, which supports academics to turn their world-leading research into investible businesses. This initiative is supported by Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund. Because funding for this and other business accelerators is provided through a range of programmes and partner organisations, an overall total is not available.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when investing in business, what time period the Exchequer seeks for an economic return on its investment.

The Government considers relative value for money for all uses of Exchequer funding, using HMT Green Book methodology so that every pound of taxpayers’ money is invested wisely to provide a return to the people and businesses of the UK.

As per the Green Book, the most appropriate time period of analysis for each type of investment is applied.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of levels of business investment on levels of (a) regional and (b) local equality.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) produces UK estimates of Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), a measure of capital investment in the UK. In May 2022, a set of experimental statistics were published mapping the regional distribution of UK GFCF[1].

There is no recent assessment of the potential impact of levels of business investment on levels of regional or local equality.

[1] Experimental regional gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) estimates by asset type, ONS

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what priorities he will set for COP28.

Ahead of COP28, the UK will continue to work with all countries using our levers including the G7 and G20, our bilateral partnerships, climate finance, trade and diplomacy, as well as our track record and legacy of COP26.

The Government will push for emissions peaking before 2025; actively follow up on the phase down of coal and phase out of all fossil fuels; and pursue outcomes from the Global Stocktake that enable us to shift gears on delivering the Paris Agreement goals. The Government will provide support to developing countries and work with partners to shape the design of the funding arrangements for loss and damage.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department is taking steps to support scientific research into ways to reduce methane emissions.

The Department is undertaking research and working with partner organisations including the Met Office and National Physical Laboratory, to understand sources of methane emissions in the UK. The Department supports research into the restoration of UK wetlands, which if done appropriately, can avoid methane emissions. The Department also supports a wide range of innovation projects that look at alternatives to the use of methane as a fuel, including projects which trial the use of hydrogen.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to invest more funding into the research and development of onshore wind power.

Onshore wind is an important part of the energy mix, accounting for around a quarter of installed renewable generation in the UK and the Government will continue to support innovation programmes in wind technology. This includes programmes exploring new blade technologies, resolutions to wind turbine interference with radar systems, and digital approaches to operation and maintenance totalling around £40 million of investment.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will provide increased funding for (a) scientific research into the climate and (b) investing in new technologies to help reduce climate change.

The Net Zero Strategy committed at least £1.5bn of funding to support net zero innovation between 2022-25. The Department will deliver its share of this through the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. Investment in climate science research also remains a priority and the Hadley Centre Climate Programme has received more than £60m of funding in the last spending review for 2022 - 2025.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with UK Research and Innovation about the timetable for providing support to the BioYorkshire programme; and if he will make a statement.

During my visit to York in March I met with UKRI and local partners to discuss the BioYorkshire initiative.

The York and North Yorkshire proposed devolution deal signed on 1 August commits UKRI to seek opportunities to support the development of the BioYorkshire cluster. The York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership will convene an inaugural meeting of the BioYorkshire Steering Group on 29 November 2022 with representation from UKRI on the Group. UKRI continue to engage with senior stakeholders to increase understanding of the evolving strategy and strengths of the BioYorkshire cluster.

14th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of raising the National Living Wage to take people out of in work poverty; and to what level he plans to increase the National Living Wage by 2025.

The National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage (NLW) rates are set on the independent and expert advice of the Low Pay Commission, who take account of the impact on business and the economy. On 1 April 2022, the Government increased the NLW for over 23s by 6.6% to £9.50. This keeps the Government on track to achieve its manifesto commitment for the NLW to equal two-thirds of median earnings by 2024 subject to wider economic conditions.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to support an increase in the level of skilled workers in the hospitality sector.

The Government is in regular dialogue with the sector and is aware of the recruitment challenges facing businesses. The Hospitality Sector Council is actively looking at this issue and the Government is working with businesses and the Hospitality and Tourism Skills Board to consider how best to strengthen recruitment, and training for the hospitality sector.

Immediate support includes £900 million annually for dedicated Work Coaches, adding hospitality and catering qualifications to the Free Courses for Jobs (part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee.

The Government is backing five Private Members’ Bills on employment rights, including the including in the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill, which will create a legal obligation on employers to pass on tips to workers in full, in a fair and transparent manner. This package of Bills will deliver on commitments in the 2019 manifesto, helping new parents, unpaid carers, hospitality workers, and giving employees better access to flexible working.

On 1 April 2022, the Government increased the National Living Wage by 6.6% to £9.50. A full-time worker on the National Living Wage will have seen their annual earnings rise by over £1,000.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the hospitality sector on business viability in that sector after Christmas 2022.

The Government recognise the impact rising prices are having on businesses of all sizes, and is engaging with the hospitality sector to understand these challenges as well as exploring ways to mitigate them. The Government is working with the Hospitality Sector Council to deliver on our 2021 Hospitality Strategy to improve the resilience of hospitality businesses.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme ensures that businesses are protected from excessively high energy bills over the winter period. The Government has also provided temporary business rates relief of 50% in 2022-23 for eligible retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses worth almost £1.7 billion.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
27th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of funding for the BioYorkshire programme.

At Spending Review 2021, the Government committed to increasing public research and development (R&D) expenditure to £20 billion per annum by 2024/2025, the largest ever sustained uplift. The Levelling Up White Paper sets out how we will maximise the contribution of innovation to levelling up by building on existing and emerging strengths across the country and supporting high-skill jobs.

The North and North Yorkshire devolution deal, published in August 2022, commits that Innovate UK, within UK Research and Innovation will work with the York and North Yorkshire Combine Authority to formally recognise and seek opportunities to support the BioYorkshire cluster.

27th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent steps his Department has taken to provide funding for jobs that will help to mitigate the effects of climate change.

There are already around 430,000 jobs in low carbon businesses and their supply chains across the country, with turnover estimated at £41.2 billion in 2020. The Government estimates that in April 2022, nearly 68,000 green jobs across the UK economy had been supported, were currently supported, or had been secured for the future by Government policies since the Ten Point Plan was launched in November 2020. The Green Jobs Delivery Group is the central forum through which Ministers, industry, businesses and other key stakeholders are working together to drive forward action on our green jobs and skills commitments.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps with energy companies to remove any additional costs of energy for people who depend on an energy prepayment meter.

Supply licence conditions, enforced by 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.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he is taking steps with energy companies to reduce the number of energy pre-payment meters used in households in the UK.

When installing a prepayment meter, suppliers have to consider whether this is safe and practicable, including whether a prepayment meter is appropriate for the specific customer. Ofgem rules restrict the force fitting of a prepayment meter to repay debt, guidance says this should only be done as a last resort.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he will take steps to ensure that all workers aged (a) under 16 and (b) 16 to 18 are paid the real living wage as minimum.

The Government is committed to increasing the National Minimum Wage as much as possible without damaging employment prospects for younger workers. This is why on 1 April 2022, Government increased the National Minimum Wage rates for both workers under 18 and 18-20 years old by 4.1% to £4.81 and £6.83 respectively. For younger workers, the priorities in those first years are to secure work and gain experience which has always been reflected in the National Minimum Wage rate structure.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
25th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has had recent discussions with energy companies on prioritising customers with an energy pre-payment metres for retrofitting works.

Pre-payment meter customers are eligible under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), however meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee assistance under the ECO4 scheme. The decision to offer any assistance lies solely with ECO-obligated energy suppliers and the installers to whom they sub-contract.

Under ECO Flex, energy suppliers can meet up to half of their ECO targets by delivering to households identified by local authorities or themselves. Customers in energy debt, and therefore, those on pre-payment meters, may be prioritised by suppliers under this element of ECO.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to help reduce the numbers of children in fuel poverty.

The Government is committed to supporting vulnerable households, including those with young children, through policies to tackle fuel poverty.

This winter the Government is providing direct support to millions of households through the Energy Price Guarantee and the Energy Bills Support Scheme. This is in addition to the Cost of Living Support Package, which is targeted particularly on those with the greatest need.

The Government is also helping households, including families with children, to reduce energy costs in the long term by improving the energy efficiency of homes.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an estimate of the number of people who are currently in fuel poverty in (a) England, (b) Yorkshire and (c) York.

The Government publishes annual statistics on the number and percentage of households in fuel poverty for England, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fuel-poverty-statisticsand at subnational level including by Region, by Local Authority and by Parliamentary Constituency, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fuel-poverty-sub-regional-statistics

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Chancellor's statement of 17 October 2022, whether it remains his policy to lift the moratorium on fracking.

It remains the Government’s policy to lift the moratorium on shale gas exploration.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, of the shale gas extraction sites using hydraulic fracturing, (a) how many and (b) which have permissions to undertake exploration work.

The North Sea Transition Authority offers Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences. There are currently 151 onshore petroleum licences in effect.

These are not specific to shale gas, and do not give permission for operations. Further consents and approvals are required to undertake hydraulic fracturing activity, as well as from other regulators including the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether companies that hold a licence for hydraulic fracturing for shale gas exploration will require further permissions to commence excavation.

The North Sea Transition Authority offers Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences (PEDLs); however, these are not specific to shale gas and do not give permission for operations. Further consents and approvals are required to undertake hydraulic fracturing activity, as well as from other regulators including the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to bring forward new regulations protect and enhance the UK’s environmental standards in the context of the Government's September 2022 announcement that announced that all retained EU laws will be sunset on 31 December 2023.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave the Hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton on 18th October 2022 to Question 61307.

17th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will hold discussions with (a) environmental and (b) public health organisations in the context of the Government's September 2022 announcement that announced that all retained EU laws will be sunset on 31 December 2023.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy met with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and other environmental groups on 19 October, and assured them of the Government’s ongoing commitment to deliver our legally binding target to halt nature’s decline by 2030. The UK will remain a world leader in environmental protection. The Government will continue to engage stakeholders throughout the passage of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, and as we take steps to create laws and regulations in the interests of the UK.

Kevin Hollinrake
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
14th Oct 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to provide additional support for businesses making long terms decisions in the context of the planned end of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme on 31 March 2023.

The Government is committed to carrying out a review of the operation of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme in order to inform decisions on future support after March 2023.

The review will consider how effective the scheme has been in giving support to at risk non-domestic customers and which groups of non-domestic customers (by sector, size or geography) remain particularly at risk due to energy price rises, taking into account the latest price position and other cost pressures. The Government will publish the result of the review in January 2023.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will publish the process by which petroleum Exploration and development licenses will be granted; and whether existing license holders will require new licences to participate in fracking when the moratorium on that process ends.

Onshore gas licensing is a matter for the North Sea Transition Authority, which currently has an explanation of the process on its website. Developers already holding licences for shale gas extraction will not require new licences. However, development activities will need to meet rigorous safety and environmental standards set by regulators including the Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive, and the North Sea Transition Authority.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has determined the size of control zones covering (a) residential dwellings and (b) businesses in which fracking will not be permitted to take place.

The development of shale gas will need to meet rigorous safety and environmental standards set by regulators including the Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive, and the North Sea Transition Authority. Drawing on lessons from around the world, the Government will ensure that hydraulic fracturing for shale gas is done with as little environmental impact as possible.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will take steps to improve water security in North Yorkshire prior to the Government's finalised decision on lifting the moratorium on fracking.

The development of shale gas will need to meet rigorous safety and environmental standards set by regulators including the Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive, and the North Sea Transition Authority. Drawing on lessons from around the world, the Government will ensure that hydraulic fracturing for shale gas is done with as little environmental impact as possible.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of fracking on levels of water availability in Yorkshire.

The development of shale gas will need to meet rigorous safety and environmental standards set by regulators including the Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive, and the North Sea Transition Authority. Drawing on lessons from around the world, the Government will ensure that hydraulic fracturing for shale gas is done with as little environmental impact as possible.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make it his policy to prohibit fracking in (a) York Central constituency, (b) York, (c) the boundary of the City of York unitary authority and (d) North Yorkshire.

The Government has neither prioritised nor ruled out development of shale gas in any specific location in England.

The Government will be looking to developers to work closely with communities when gathering local support for any potential shale gas projects across the country.

Restrictions set out in the Onshore Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations 2015 and in licence conditions ensure that shale gas extraction will not be permitted in wells drilled from our most valued areas including National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Specific Scientific Interest.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will publish the government's new strategy on fracking.

The invasion of Ukraine and the resulting restrictions on gas supply across Europe has emphasised the need for home grown sources of energy to reduce our reliance on imports. The Government has been clear about this need and will continue to work with stakeholders including industry, expert regulators and communities to understand how developments can gain the support of local communities, contribute to the energy security of the UK and be consistent with our commitments to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government will take steps to ensure community consent prior to the establishment of fracking sites in (a) York and (b) England.

The Government expects industry to work closely with local communities in order to build support for new developments.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will publish the geological evidence that informed his proposal to end the moratorium on fracking.

The Government is grateful to the British Geological Survey for their review of the science related to seismic events induced by hydraulic fracturing for shale gas exploration. The report ‘Recent scientific advances in the understanding of induced seismicity from hydraulic fracturing of shales’ has been received and carefully considered, and published on the Government website.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department will set a limit on acceptable levels of seismic shocks potentially caused by fracking.

The Government is reviewing this aspect of shale gas policy as part of a wider reflection on the most appropriate regulatory regime for the industry.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what level of research funding his Department has allocated to (a) dementia, (b) cancer, (c) stroke and (d) coronary heart disease research.

BEIS received its largest ever R&D budget at Spending Review 2021 with £39.8 billion over the SR period, including an allocation of £25.1 billion to UK Research Innovation (UKRI) which provides significant funding to the aforementioned areas.

Specific funding amounts are not allocated to disease areas in advance as funding is largely distributed via competitive, peer-reviewed application processes.

However, the Government has committed via the Life Sciences Vision to launch healthcare missions, including in Dementia and Cancer. BEIS will be contributing funding to these Missions via UKRI, alongside the Department of Health and Social Care and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) (jointly with the Cabinet Office)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has taken recent steps to implement the recommendations of the report by the Climate Assembly UK entitled The path to net zero, published on 10 September 2020.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister welcomed the Climate Assembly UK report. The recommendations it set out are an important element of the evidence base and are considered alongside other evidence to inform policy decisions relating to Net Zero. This evidence base has been used in several ways, including to inform development of several government strategies. Many of the Climate Assembly UK’s recommendations are in line with government policy and are already being delivered.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make an estimate of the maximum output of renewable energy that (a) current and (b) planned future infrastructure is capable of achieving; and when this maximum output will be achieved.

Current and historical plant capacities are published in Energy Trends Table 6.1.[1] These represent the maximum generation that might be produced by all renewable generators in any given quarter. For future years, indicative, Net Zero-consistent, power sector projections are published in Annex O of the Energy and Emission Projections.[2]

These show a current renewable capacity of 43 GW, with renewable capacity potentially increasing year-on-year (to 2050) to between 157 and 242 GW.

No estimate is made of the exact maximum output that these generators will produce as load factors vary significantly with weather, geographical location, and time.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-section-6-renewables

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-and-emissions-projections-net-zero-strategy-baseline-partial-interim-update-december-2021

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will provide grants to help households in social housing and domestic properties upgrade to achieve a band C Energy Performance Certificate.

The Government set out an aspiration in the Clean Growth Strategy for as many homes as possible to reach EPC Band C by 2035 where cost-effective, affordable and practical. Those in fuel poverty, on low incomes or in social housing are supported by the Local Authority Delivery Scheme, Home Upgrade Grant, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and the Energy company obligation.

Over £3.9 billion of new funding over the next 3 year was announced alongside the Heat and Buildings Strategy through the SHDF, HUG and Boiler Upgrade Scheme. ECO has also been expanded to £1 billion over the next 4 years.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the findings of a recent study conducted by York High Street Forum Research on an anticipated reduction of footfall on high streets in York, if he will provide financial support in the way of (a) grants or loans and (b) an extension of the payback of covid-19 loans to high street businesses.

We will continue to support high street businesses as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses can benefit from 50% businesses rates relief worth almost £1.7 billion in 2022-23.
  • “Pay as You Grow” options allow Bounce Back Loan borrowers to tailor their repayments to individual circumstances. Businesses have the option to repay their loan over a period of up to ten years, as well as the option to move temporarily to interest-only payments for periods of up to six months or pause their repayments entirely for up to six months.
  • Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme lenders can extend the repayment period for CBILS facilities where this is needed, to a maximum of 10 years.

Last week the Government announced a new six-month scheme – the Energy Price Guarantee for Businesses – to protect all businesses and other non-domestic energy users from soaring energy costs.

7th Sep 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what fiscal steps he plans to take to bring the UK housing stock up to a minimum of the energy standard C.