Suella Braverman Portrait

Suella Braverman

Conservative - Fareham and Waterlooville

6,079 (12.1%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 7th May 2015


Suella Braverman is not an officer of any APPGs
3 APPG Memberships
British Jews, Children's Online Safety, Financial Education for Young People
2 Former APPG Officer Positions
Genocide Prevention and Crimes Against Humanity, Social Integration
Home Secretary
25th Oct 2022 - 13th Nov 2023
Home Secretary
6th Sep 2022 - 19th Oct 2022
Attorney General
10th Sep 2021 - 6th Sep 2022
Minister on Leave (Attorney General)
2nd Mar 2021 - 10th Sep 2021
Attorney General
13th Feb 2020 - 2nd Mar 2021
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Exiting the European Union)
9th Jan 2018 - 15th Nov 2018
Education Committee
6th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Education, Skills and the Economy Sub-Committee
1st Dec 2015 - 8th Jun 2016
Draft Investigatory Powers Bill (Joint Committee)
5th Nov 2015 - 11th Feb 2016


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Suella Braverman has voted in 130 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Suella Braverman Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

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

Sparring Partners
John Healey (Labour)
Secretary of State for Defence
(5 debate interactions)
Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Education, Children and Families)
(4 debate interactions)
Hamish Falconer (Labour)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(4 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(5 debate contributions)
Home Office
(5 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Suella Braverman's debates

Fareham and Waterlooville 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).

Suella Braverman has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Suella Braverman

5th February 2025
Suella Braverman signed this EDM on Monday 12th May 2025

Injury on Duty Award Scheme

Tabled by: Tom Morrison (Liberal Democrat - Cheadle)
That this House acknowledges the inherent risks undertaken by police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other members of the emergency services in the line of duty; notes that severe injuries sustained in the line of duty can prematurely end their careers; further notes with concern that current recognition for such sacrifices …
109 signatures
(Most recent: 11 Jul 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 47
Labour: 32
Conservative: 9
Democratic Unionist Party: 5
Independent: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Scottish National Party: 2
Reform UK: 2
Green Party: 1
Alliance: 1
Ulster Unionist Party: 1
Traditional Unionist Voice: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
2nd September 2024
Suella Braverman signed this EDM on Monday 9th September 2024

Social Security

Tabled by: Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond and Northallerton)
That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (S.I., 2024, No. 869), dated 22 August 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 August 2024, be annulled.
81 signatures
(Most recent: 10 Sep 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 74
Independent: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Scottish National Party: 1
View All Suella Braverman's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Suella Braverman, 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.


Suella Braverman has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Suella Braverman has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

3 Bills introduced by Suella Braverman

Introduced: 22nd September 2022

A Bill to make provision about economic crime and corporate transparency; to make further provision about companies, limited partnerships and other kinds of corporate entity; and to make provision about the registration of overseas entities.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 26th October 2023 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 7th March 2023

A Bill to Make provision for and in connection with the removal from the United Kingdom of persons who have entered or arrived in breach of immigration control; to make provision about detention for immigration purposes; to make provision about unaccompanied children; to make provision about victims of slavery or human trafficking; to make provision about leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom; to make provision about citizenship; to make provision about the inadmissibility of certain protection and certain human rights claims relating to immigration; to make provision about the maximum number of persons entering the United Kingdom annually using safe and legal routes; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 20th July 2023 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 24th May 2023

A Bill to make provision for immigration restrictions to be disregarded for the purposes of the British Nationality Act 1981 in historical cases in which such restrictions were in practice disregarded.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 29th June 2023 and was enacted into law.


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
12th Jun 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has made an estimate of the issues which have led to the largest number of incidents of reported civil servants being found in breach of strict impartiality conduct.

The collection of any data with regard to breaches of the Civil Service Code would be a matter for individual departments.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
12th Jun 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of incidents involving civil servants who were found to be in breach of strict impartiality.

The collection of any data with regard to breaches of the Civil Service Code would be a matter for individual departments.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
12th Jun 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department plans to take to support (a) neutrality and (b) impartiality in the civil service.

Impartiality, and in particular political impartiality, is one of the values of the Civil Service Code. It is a contractual obligation for civil servants to abide by the Code. Impartiality means civil servants must serve the Government, whatever its political persuasion, to the best of their ability.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
12th Jun 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department plans to make an assessment of how to improve civil service compliance with strict impartiality in (a) recruitment and (b) retention.

The Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles explain the legal requirement that selection for appointment to the Civil Service must be on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. The Civil Service takes adherence to these principles very seriously. The Civil Service Commission publishes data regarding compliance and their most recent annual report for 2023/24 showed a 13% reduction in breaches compared to 2022/23.

For the centrally managed Senior Civil Service, departments are able to address flight risk with Pivotal Role Allowances (PRAs) for those delivering critical programmes and those responsible for implementing government priorities. All PRAs require the approval of the Cabinet Office and the Treasury and are assessed against strict eligibility criteria, including the business criticality of the role, the impact should the incumbent leave, the skills required and the level of flight risk. For grades below the SCS, departments have delegated authority to determine their own pay arrangements to reflect their recruitment and retention needs.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
19th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the increase in the minimum wage on the trends in levels of hospitality workers.

The Government published an Impact Assessment (IA) for the 2025 National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage (NLW) rates, which includes a breakdown of the expected impacts by sector. The IA also sets out the economic literature to date, which shows that increases to the NLW have had a limited impact on labour demand, as measured by employment levels and hours worked.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
19th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of minimum wage rises on hiring practices of pub chains.

The Government published an Impact Assessment (IA) for the 2025 National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage (NLW) rates, which includes a breakdown of the expected impacts by sector. The IA also sets out the economic literature to date, which shows that increases to the NLW have had a limited impact on labour demand, as measured by employment levels and hours worked.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure that increased charges by utility providers are put towards maintaining (a) clean and (b) safe infrastructure for consumer services.

Ofgem review the price cap level every three months and ensure that it reflects wholesale prices as well as other costs incurred by suppliers. This includes network costs, for example the building, fixing and repair of pipes and wires to transport energy.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department plans to take steps to allow consumers to challenge the charges of a privately owned utility when no other utility services operate in their area.

Energy suppliers are bound by a universal service obligation under standard condition 22 of the gas and electricity Standard Licence Conditions. This means they are required to offer terms to any domestic consumer who asks, ensuring consumers have access to energy.

For customers on a domestic contract, the mechanism for ensuring fair pricing is Ofgem’s Price Cap, which allows suppliers to recoup genuine costs with a small allowance for profits.

For domestic customers who receive energy via non-domestic contracts, there is legislation which sets a maximum price that can be charged for electricity and gas which has already been bought from a licensed supplier.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence on the potential national security risks of the AQUIND interconnector project.

My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State has regular discussions with Ministerial Colleagues on a number of issues.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
26th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the companies developing the most powerful AI models on introducing safeguards to ensure their models cannot generate child sexual abuse material.

AI generated child sexual abuse images are illegal material. It is an offence to produce, store or share any material that contains or depicts child sexual abuse, regardless of whether the material depicts a real child or not. The government engages regularly with the tech sector, including AI companies, to support them in making their platforms safer for children.

The Online Safety Act places new duties on companies that provide user-to-user services and search services to address priority illegal content, such as child sexual exploitation and abuse. The strongest protections in the Act are for children.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
26th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to include safeguards to prevent AI-generated child sexual abuse in the forthcoming AI Bill.

AI generated child sexual abuse images are illegal material. It is an offence to produce, store or share any material that contains or depicts child sexual abuse, regardless of whether the material depicts a real child or not. The government engages regularly with the tech sector, including AI companies, to support them in making their platforms safer for children.

The Online Safety Act places new duties on companies that provide user-to-user services and search services to address priority illegal content, such as child sexual exploitation and abuse. The strongest protections in the Act are for children.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of amending existing legislation on television broadcasting.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.

The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.

As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.

Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.

Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to make an assessment of the effectiveness of the BBC’s compliance with media laws following their broadcast of the Glastonbury Music Festival.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.

The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.

As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.

Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.

Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to bring forward new legislation on television broadcasting following the BBC coverage of the Glastonbury music festival.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.

The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.

As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.

Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.

Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to take steps to enforce media law on the BBC following its recent broadcast of the Glastonbury music festival.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.

The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.

As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.

Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.

Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
30th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the BBC in relation to its coverage of Glastonbury music festival.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.

The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.

As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.

Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.

Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
19th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has any plans to tackle after-school clubs that are required to register with Ofsted that fail to do so.

Ofsted’s enforcement powers are set out in the Childcare Act 2006. The law gives Ofsted a range of powers to deal with persons providing childcare without appropriate registration and registered providers that fail to meet the legal requirements for early years settings.

Ofsted’s early years and childcare enforcement policy sets out the actions that Ofsted can take, dependent on the register that the after school club is registered on. Before and after-school clubs can register with Ofsted on either or both the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register, depending on the type of provision and age of the children they intend to care for. Some providers are exempt from registration if they meet the exemptions set out in legislation. Depending on their registration, they must either meet the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage, or the general childcare register requirements. The requirements for both registers are set by the department.

Departmental officials also meet regularly with their Ofsted counterparts to ensure that the regulations that apply to Ofsted registered providers of after-school childcare remain fit for purpose. Ofsted takes appropriate action on information that they receive about unregistered services and provision on unapproved premises. Ofsted’s process for managing unregistered provision is outlined in their published enforcement policy, which is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-and-childcare-ofsteds-enforcement-policy/early-years-and-childcare-enforcement-policy#unregistered:~:text=in%20appropriate%20circumstances.-,Unregistered%20childcare%20providers%20and%20provision%20on%20unapproved%20premises,-Most%20childcare%20providers.

Information about Ofsted’s regulatory and enforcement activity in relation to unregistered provision is outlined in Ofsted’s annual report and accounts each year, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-corporate-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
19th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make it her policy to review the adequacy of Ofsted’s enforcement powers for after-school clubs.

Ofsted’s enforcement powers are set out in the Childcare Act 2006. The law gives Ofsted a range of powers to deal with persons providing childcare without appropriate registration and registered providers that fail to meet the legal requirements for early years settings.

Ofsted’s early years and childcare enforcement policy sets out the actions that Ofsted can take, dependent on the register that the after school club is registered on. Before and after-school clubs can register with Ofsted on either or both the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register, depending on the type of provision and age of the children they intend to care for. Some providers are exempt from registration if they meet the exemptions set out in legislation. Depending on their registration, they must either meet the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage, or the general childcare register requirements. The requirements for both registers are set by the department.

Departmental officials also meet regularly with their Ofsted counterparts to ensure that the regulations that apply to Ofsted registered providers of after-school childcare remain fit for purpose. Ofsted takes appropriate action on information that they receive about unregistered services and provision on unapproved premises. Ofsted’s process for managing unregistered provision is outlined in their published enforcement policy, which is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-and-childcare-ofsteds-enforcement-policy/early-years-and-childcare-enforcement-policy#unregistered:~:text=in%20appropriate%20circumstances.-,Unregistered%20childcare%20providers%20and%20provision%20on%20unapproved%20premises,-Most%20childcare%20providers.

Information about Ofsted’s regulatory and enforcement activity in relation to unregistered provision is outlined in Ofsted’s annual report and accounts each year, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-corporate-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
19th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what enforcement powers Ofsted has for after-school clubs.

Ofsted’s enforcement powers are set out in the Childcare Act 2006. The law gives Ofsted a range of powers to deal with persons providing childcare without appropriate registration and registered providers that fail to meet the legal requirements for early years settings.

Ofsted’s early years and childcare enforcement policy sets out the actions that Ofsted can take, dependent on the register that the after school club is registered on. Before and after-school clubs can register with Ofsted on either or both the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register, depending on the type of provision and age of the children they intend to care for. Some providers are exempt from registration if they meet the exemptions set out in legislation. Depending on their registration, they must either meet the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage, or the general childcare register requirements. The requirements for both registers are set by the department.

Departmental officials also meet regularly with their Ofsted counterparts to ensure that the regulations that apply to Ofsted registered providers of after-school childcare remain fit for purpose. Ofsted takes appropriate action on information that they receive about unregistered services and provision on unapproved premises. Ofsted’s process for managing unregistered provision is outlined in their published enforcement policy, which is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-and-childcare-ofsteds-enforcement-policy/early-years-and-childcare-enforcement-policy#unregistered:~:text=in%20appropriate%20circumstances.-,Unregistered%20childcare%20providers%20and%20provision%20on%20unapproved%20premises,-Most%20childcare%20providers.

Information about Ofsted’s regulatory and enforcement activity in relation to unregistered provision is outlined in Ofsted’s annual report and accounts each year, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-corporate-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
19th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if her Department will make an estimate of the number of families that are unable to reclaim prepaid fees when an after-school club ceases trading.

The department does not hold this information.

The Childcare Act 2006 places a duty on local authorities to make sure that there are enough childcare places within its locality for working parents, or for parents who are studying or training for employment, for children aged 0 to 14, or up to 18 for disabled children. In the unlikely event that a parent's childcare provider becomes insolvent or goes bankrupt, parents can contact their local authority who can provide guidance and resources to help them transition to a new provider.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to bring forward legislative proposals to ensure full kinship support to all recipients of kinship care.

The government recognises the important role that kinship carers play in caring for some of the most vulnerable children.

Through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we are seeking to mandate local authorities to publish a kinship local offer which sets out the information and support in a local authority's area for children living in kinship care and kinship carers. The measure will also define what kinship care is for the purpose of the requirement of the kinship care local offer. These measures will make it clear for local authorities, schools and other statutory services what support is available to those involved in a kinship arrangement.

In addition, in October 2024, the department published the kinship care statutory guidance for local authorities, which outlines the framework for the provision of support for kinship families. We have also recently announced a £40 million package to trial a new kinship allowance.

The government is also extending the delivery of over 140 peer support groups across England, available for all kinship carers to access, where they can come together to share stories, exchange advice and support each other. We are also delivering a package of training and support that all kinship carers across England can access.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to take steps to encourage kinship role recruitment.

The department is committed to supporting kinship carers and ensuring that children in kinship care arrangements have the opportunity to thrive. This includes removing barriers from carers coming forward, where that is in the child’s best interests. At the Autumn Budget 2024, the government announced a £40 million package to trial a new kinship allowance to test whether paying an allowance to cover the additional costs of supporting the child can help increase the number of children taken in by family members and friends. This is the single biggest investment made by government in kinship care to date.

Unlike in foster care, there is no general pool of kinship carers to recruit from. Kinship arrangements happen when a specific child cannot remain with their parents, and a relative or close family friend steps in, often at short notice. As such, terms like ‘recruitment’ or ‘adequate levels’ do not apply in the same way. Instead, the department’s focus is on ensuring that when these situations arise, families are supported to step forward.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
13th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of existing levels of kinship care.

The department is committed to supporting kinship carers and ensuring that children in kinship care arrangements have the opportunity to thrive. This includes removing barriers from carers coming forward, where that is in the child’s best interests. At the Autumn Budget 2024, the government announced a £40 million package to trial a new kinship allowance to test whether paying an allowance to cover the additional costs of supporting the child can help increase the number of children taken in by family members and friends. This is the single biggest investment made by government in kinship care to date.

Unlike in foster care, there is no general pool of kinship carers to recruit from. Kinship arrangements happen when a specific child cannot remain with their parents, and a relative or close family friend steps in, often at short notice. As such, terms like ‘recruitment’ or ‘adequate levels’ do not apply in the same way. Instead, the department’s focus is on ensuring that when these situations arise, families are supported to step forward.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to increase the level of protection for parents when an independent after-school provider is made bankrupt.

As a private market, guidance published by the Insolvency Service is likely to apply, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claim-money-back-from-a-bankrupt-person-or-company-in-compulsory-liquidation-guidance-for-creditors/if-an-insolvent-company-or-bankrupt-person-owes-you-money#:~:text=If%20the%20person%20or%20company,secured%20creditors.

The Childcare Act 2006 places a duty on local authorities to make sure that there are enough childcare places within its locality for working parents or for parents who are studying or training for employment, for children aged 0 to 14, or up to 18 for disabled children. In the unlikely event that a parent's childcare provider becomes insolvent or goes bankrupt, parents can contact their local authority, who can provide guidance and resources to help them transition to a new provider.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of guidelines on (a) financial compensation and (b) protection for parents when an independent after-school provider becomes insolvent.

As a private market, guidance published by the Insolvency Service is likely to apply, which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claim-money-back-from-a-bankrupt-person-or-company-in-compulsory-liquidation-guidance-for-creditors/if-an-insolvent-company-or-bankrupt-person-owes-you-money#:~:text=If%20the%20person%20or%20company,secured%20creditors.

The Childcare Act 2006 places a duty on local authorities to make sure that there are enough childcare places within its locality for working parents or for parents who are studying or training for employment, for children aged 0 to 14, or up to 18 for disabled children. In the unlikely event that a parent's childcare provider becomes insolvent or goes bankrupt, parents can contact their local authority, who can provide guidance and resources to help them transition to a new provider.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has made an assessment of the number of after-school clubs required to be registered by Ofsted that are operating without being registered.

Before and after-school clubs can register with Ofsted on either or both the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register, depending on the type of provision and age of the children they intend to care for. Some providers are exempt from registration if they meet the exemptions set out in legislation. Depending on their registration, they must either meet the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage, or the general childcare register requirements. The requirements for both registers are set by the department.

It is Ofsted’s role to monitor compliance with these registration requirements. Ofsted reports to Parliament through its annual report and official statistics publications about inspection, regulatory activity and compliance with the department’s legal requirements. Officials also meet regularly with their Ofsted counterparts to ensure that the regulations that apply to Ofsted registered providers of after-school childcare remain fit for purpose.

Ofsted takes appropriate action on information that they receive about unregistered services and provision on unapproved premises. Ofsted’s process for managing unregistered provision is outlined in their published enforcement policy, accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-and-childcare-ofsteds-enforcement-policy/early-years-and-childcare-enforcement-policy#unregistered:~:text=in%20appropriate%20circumstances.-,Unregistered%20childcare%20providers%20and%20provision%20on%20unapproved%20premises,-Most%20childcare%20providers.

Information about Ofsted’s regulatory and enforcement activity in relation to unregistered provision is outlined in Ofsted’s annual report and accounts each year. This is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-corporate-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to strengthen regulations on the (a) qualifications and (b) safety requirements for (i) people and (ii) groups that run after-school clubs.

Before and after-school clubs can register with Ofsted on either or both the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register, depending on the type of provision and age of the children they intend to care for. Some providers are exempt from registration if they meet the exemptions set out in legislation. Depending on their registration, they must either meet the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage, or the general childcare register requirements. The requirements for both registers are set by the department.

It is Ofsted’s role to monitor compliance with these registration requirements. Ofsted reports to Parliament through its annual report and official statistics publications about inspection, regulatory activity and compliance with the department’s legal requirements. Officials also meet regularly with their Ofsted counterparts to ensure that the regulations that apply to Ofsted registered providers of after-school childcare remain fit for purpose.

Ofsted takes appropriate action on information that they receive about unregistered services and provision on unapproved premises. Ofsted’s process for managing unregistered provision is outlined in their published enforcement policy, accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-and-childcare-ofsteds-enforcement-policy/early-years-and-childcare-enforcement-policy#unregistered:~:text=in%20appropriate%20circumstances.-,Unregistered%20childcare%20providers%20and%20provision%20on%20unapproved%20premises,-Most%20childcare%20providers.

Information about Ofsted’s regulatory and enforcement activity in relation to unregistered provision is outlined in Ofsted’s annual report and accounts each year. This is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-corporate-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of her Department's processes for monitoring after-school clubs' compliance with Ofsted registration requirements; and whether she plans to improve these monitoring processes.

Before and after-school clubs can register with Ofsted on either or both the Early Years Register and the General Childcare Register, depending on the type of provision and age of the children they intend to care for. Some providers are exempt from registration if they meet the exemptions set out in legislation. Depending on their registration, they must either meet the statutory requirements of the early years foundation stage, or the general childcare register requirements. The requirements for both registers are set by the department.

It is Ofsted’s role to monitor compliance with these registration requirements. Ofsted reports to Parliament through its annual report and official statistics publications about inspection, regulatory activity and compliance with the department’s legal requirements. Officials also meet regularly with their Ofsted counterparts to ensure that the regulations that apply to Ofsted registered providers of after-school childcare remain fit for purpose.

Ofsted takes appropriate action on information that they receive about unregistered services and provision on unapproved premises. Ofsted’s process for managing unregistered provision is outlined in their published enforcement policy, accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-and-childcare-ofsteds-enforcement-policy/early-years-and-childcare-enforcement-policy#unregistered:~:text=in%20appropriate%20circumstances.-,Unregistered%20childcare%20providers%20and%20provision%20on%20unapproved%20premises,-Most%20childcare%20providers.

Information about Ofsted’s regulatory and enforcement activity in relation to unregistered provision is outlined in Ofsted’s annual report and accounts each year. This is accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-corporate-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to provide additional funding for teachers' pay increases.

The overall core schools budget is increasing by £3.2 billion in the 2025/26 financial year, meaning the core schools budget will total over £64.8 billion compared to almost £61.6 billion in the 2024/25 financial year. This includes the £2.3 billion announced at the Autumn Budget 2024 and over £930 million being provided to support schools and high needs settings with the increases to employer National Insurance contributions from April 2025.

As set out in the written evidence, the department is expecting schools to be able to fund awards of 2.8% from the funding we are already giving to them. That will mean using a combination of the additional investment announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, alongside making use of their existing funds. The government has been clear that departmental settlements for the 2025/26 financial year will need to fund the next round of public sector pay awards.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
10th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to continue to allocate sports premium funding to schools in the 2025-26 financial year.

Supporting physical education and sport at school is essential and further information on budgets for the 2025/26 academic year will be provided shortly.

Catherine McKinnell
Minister of State (Education)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of increases to wastewater charges made by Southern Water.

For too long, investment has not kept pace with the challenges of an ageing infrastructure system, a rapidly growing population and climate change. Now whilst it is never wanted, bills will therefore now need to rise to invest in our crumbling infrastructure and deliver cleaner waterways.

As the independent economic regulator, Ofwat independently scrutinise water company business plans, including Southern Water’s, and ensure the prices water companies charge their customers are fair and proportionate. Ofwat published their final determinations for Price Review 2024 on 19 December, which sets company expenditure and customer bills for 2025-2030.

The Government is committed to taking action to address water poverty and help vulnerable customers with their water bills. All water companies have measures in place for customers who struggle to pay for their water and wastewater services, including measures such as WaterSure, social tariffs, payment breaks and holidays, and debt management support.

Furthermore, we expect companies to hold themselves accountable for their public commitment to end water poverty by 2030 and will work with the sector to ensure appropriate measures are taken to this end.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Havant Thicket Reservoir is one of the nine new reservoirs referenced in the press release entitled Reeves: I am going further and faster to kick start the economy, published on 28 January 2025.

The Havant Thicket Reservoir was not one of the nine new reservoirs referenced in the press release.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
31st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled Reeves: I am going further and faster to kick start the economy, published on 28 January 2025, whether a new reservoir will be built in Hampshire.

Portsmouth Water’s Havant Thicket Reservoir will be the first reservoir built in over 30 years. The Havant Thicket Reservoir is under construction. It will have a capacity of 8.7 billion litres, supply an average of 21 million litres of water per day and is forecast to be operational in 2032. The reservoir will improve the resilience of local water supplies and protect iconic chalk streams.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help reduce the number of secondary poisonings of (a) buzzards and (b) red kites.

Secondary poisoning of buzzards and red kites is often caused by improper use of anticoagulant rodenticides. Deliberate misuse is a criminal offence. Where wild birds of prey are killed illegally the full force of the law will apply to any proven perpetrators of the crime. Defra supports the National Wildlife Crime Unit which helps prevent and detect wildlife crimes such as illegal poisoning by obtaining and disseminating intelligence and directly assisting law enforcers in their investigations.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) rather than Defra has policy responsibility for rodenticides which are an essential tool in managing the danger and economic costs of rodents spreading diseases, damaging property and disrupting food supplies. Given the potential risks posed to the environment by rodenticides, they are subject to strict regulation.

A stewardship regime has been set up to promote responsible use of rodenticides. For professional users, verification of competence is required at the point of sale to ensure only those who are properly trained can use them. The stewardship regime is currently under review and the outcome is expected in 2025. Furthermore, as of 4 July 2024, it is no longer possible to purchase anticoagulant rodenticides for use outdoors in open areas.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to monitor the use of drones in urban areas.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as the independent aviation regulator, receives reports of aviation incidents via multiple reporting channels and reviews those that fall within its remit. Members of the public concerned about drone misuse, including in residential or urban areas, should report it to their local police force, who are best placed to determine whether an offence has been committed under the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code.

From January 2026, all drones with a camera and weighing more than 250 grams will be required to comply with new Remote Identification (Remote ID) requirements. Remote ID is a system that allows drones to be tracked and identified in real time, similar to a digital licence plate. This will support enforcement authorities by enabling the identification of non-compliant drones and locating their operators when necessary.

In relation to flights in residential areas, there are already existing restrictions. Operating a drone with a camera, regardless of weight, requires the operator to be registered with the CAA and to follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which sets out legal requirements for safe and responsible use, including respect for privacy. The CAA also assesses and authorises drone operations based on their risk profile, including the location of intended flights.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has made a recent estimate of the number of incidents relating to drone usage in residential areas.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as the independent aviation regulator, receives reports of aviation incidents via multiple reporting channels and reviews those that fall within its remit. Members of the public concerned about drone misuse, including in residential or urban areas, should report it to their local police force, who are best placed to determine whether an offence has been committed under the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code.

From January 2026, all drones with a camera and weighing more than 250 grams will be required to comply with new Remote Identification (Remote ID) requirements. Remote ID is a system that allows drones to be tracked and identified in real time, similar to a digital licence plate. This will support enforcement authorities by enabling the identification of non-compliant drones and locating their operators when necessary.

In relation to flights in residential areas, there are already existing restrictions. Operating a drone with a camera, regardless of weight, requires the operator to be registered with the CAA and to follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which sets out legal requirements for safe and responsible use, including respect for privacy. The CAA also assesses and authorises drone operations based on their risk profile, including the location of intended flights.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
8th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to amend legislation to offer protections from civilian-piloted drones in residential areas.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as the independent aviation regulator, receives reports of aviation incidents via multiple reporting channels and reviews those that fall within its remit. Members of the public concerned about drone misuse, including in residential or urban areas, should report it to their local police force, who are best placed to determine whether an offence has been committed under the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code.

From January 2026, all drones with a camera and weighing more than 250 grams will be required to comply with new Remote Identification (Remote ID) requirements. Remote ID is a system that allows drones to be tracked and identified in real time, similar to a digital licence plate. This will support enforcement authorities by enabling the identification of non-compliant drones and locating their operators when necessary.

In relation to flights in residential areas, there are already existing restrictions. Operating a drone with a camera, regardless of weight, requires the operator to be registered with the CAA and to follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code, which sets out legal requirements for safe and responsible use, including respect for privacy. The CAA also assesses and authorises drone operations based on their risk profile, including the location of intended flights.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
29th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans her Department has to modernise the booking of driving tests in Hampshire.

As set out in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) 2024/25 business plan, DVSA is beginning the process of replacing its booking system. The system has many uses including:

  • booking and scheduling of all practical driving and riding tests
  • recording mandatory training taken by professional lorry and bus drivers
  • administering the register of approved driving instructors (ADIs) and the compulsory basic training (CBT) scheme for novice motorcyclists

DVSA will start by replacing the test booking and scheduling service. This will allow better capture and meeting of customers’ requirements, including those with additional needs. DVSA will update the way it schedules tests using modern, flexible technology that makes better use of examiners’ time and reduces manual processes.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system.

On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025.

On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts.

DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

The Department has no plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test.

DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport also announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce driving test waiting times across the country.

Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
29th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help prevent bots mass booking driving tests in Hampshire.

As set out in the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) 2024/25 business plan, DVSA is beginning the process of replacing its booking system. The system has many uses including:

  • booking and scheduling of all practical driving and riding tests
  • recording mandatory training taken by professional lorry and bus drivers
  • administering the register of approved driving instructors (ADIs) and the compulsory basic training (CBT) scheme for novice motorcyclists

DVSA will start by replacing the test booking and scheduling service. This will allow better capture and meeting of customers’ requirements, including those with additional needs. DVSA will update the way it schedules tests using modern, flexible technology that makes better use of examiners’ time and reduces manual processes.

To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the DVSA continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system.

On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025.

On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts.

DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

The Department has no plans to expand transport support for provisional drivers unable to book a driving test.

DVSA’s main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.

On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport also announced that DVSA will take further actions to reduce driving test waiting times across the country.

Further information on these actions and progress on the DVSA’s 7-point plan, which was set out last year, can be found on GOV.UK.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support her Department offers to (a) disabled people and (b) carers ineligible for the companion travel pass scheme.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.

The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of funding for the companion pass scheme.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.

The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to review the companion bus pass scheme.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.

The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to support (a) carers and (b) disabled people having free bus travel removed by Hampshire County Council.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.

The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
28th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the number of people impacted by changes to companion travel passes.

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. There is no national companion bus pass scheme. Local authorities in England have the power to go beyond their statutory obligations under the ENCTS and offer additional discretionary concessions, such as offering companion passes for those travelling with someone eligible for the ENCTS. The decision on whether to offer discretionary concessions is for the local authority to make depending on their needs and circumstances.

The government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Hampshire County Council has been allocated over £14 million of this funding. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services can be used in whichever way they wish to deliver better services for passengers, this could include offering discretionary concessions.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to include improvements to connecting commuter roads in villages and towns in the road investment strategy.

The Road Investment Strategy is a long-term government plan that sets out what the Department for Transport expects National Highways to deliver on England’s strategic road network of motorways and major A roads in England over a five-year period. As part of National Highways Licence, the company is expected to consider how its network integrates effectively with the local road network, that is the responsibility of the relevant local highways authority, to provide a seamless experience for road users.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department plans to take to improve road (a) services and (b) networks.

The Department has set the budgets for the financial year 2025/26 as part of the Autumn Budget 2024. This allocated £4.842 billion as part of an interim settlement for National Highways for the operation, maintenance, renewal and enhancement of the strategic road network. Funding beyond this for a future Road Investment Strategy will be confirmed through the ongoing Spending Review which is due to complete in late Spring 2025.

The Government recognises the important role that motorway service areas and rest areas on the trunk A road network play in providing a safe place for road users to stop and take a short break from driving. It is for the private sector to promote and operate service areas that meet the needs of the travelling public.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to conduct a full audit of Child Maintenance Service accounts and third-party payments in the last ten years.

Since 2012 the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has been an operational directorate of the Department for Work and Pensions. The operational costs of running the CMS are included within the overall Departmental accounts that are published annually. These accounts are audited every year by the National Audit Office and a report is prepared for Parliament by the Comptroller and Auditor General. These are available at the following link: DWP annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK

The monies received in and paid out by the Child Maintenance Service are reported in separate accounts, which are also published annually. These are audited every year by the National Audit Office and a report is prepared for Parliament by the Comptroller and Auditor General. These are available at the following link: Child maintenance: client funds accounts - GOV.UK

Andrew Western
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
30th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department plans to increase oversight of Child Maintenance Service enforcement via (a) independent bodies and (b) ombudsmen.

The Child Maintenance Service will do everything within its powers to make sure parents comply. Where parents fail to take responsibility for paying for their children, the CMS will not hesitate to use the range of enforcement powers available. The CMS is committed to using these powers fairly and in the best interests of children and separated families.

All calculation decisions made by the CMS can be appealed through the mandatory reconsideration process and beyond that, to the Independent Tribunal Service.

When parents continue to be non-compliant, the CMS may apply to court for a Liability Order. A Liability Order allows the CMS to formally have the debt a paying parent owes legally recognised in a court of law and is required before the CMS can take certain other enforcement actions. The paying parent is given the opportunity to attend a Liability Order hearing.

Following a Liability Order, the CMS can consider which enforcement method to proceed with depending on the circumstances of the case, and the welfare of any qualifying children involved. Where appropriate, the CMS may choose to return to court to pursue further enforcement. This could lead to a magistrates’ court disqualifying a parent from holding or obtaining a driving licence for up to two years or committing them to prison for a maximum of six weeks.

Throughout this process, the paying parent has the right of appeal to a court of law against the ongoing legal action. The level of court may differ, depending on the enforcement measure being appealed. Most appeals are made to a magistrates’ or county court, or in Scotland to the Sheriff Court.

There is also a robust complaints process, which gives parents opportunities to seek redress when the CMS does not meet their expectations. When a client is dissatisfied, the CMS tries to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, without the need for a formal complaint. If the client remains dissatisfied, the Department for Work and Pensions Complaints Team looks at and responds to their complaint. After that, they can raise it with the Independent Case Examiner and finally with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, through their Member of Parliament.

Andrew Western
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)