Suella Braverman

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

When a client is dissatisfied, The Child Maintenance Service (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.

The CMS is committed to ensuring that it delivers a safe service that is sensitive to the needs of all the parents that use it. We recognise that some parents may face difficult circumstances, particularly at a time of separation, and that disputes with CMS or with the other parent may add to this.

The CMS is well prepared to respond quickly and effectively if it becomes aware that the safety of any of its customers are at risk, and caseworkers receive extensive training and follow a well-managed process with clear steps to support vulnerable clients.

Caseworkers have access to several tools and procedures to help support customers when they advise they cannot afford to pay child maintenance or are struggling with the cost of living in general and are in financial or emotional crisis.

This includes the National District Provision Toolkit and Affordability Hub which provides invaluable information to allow caseworkers to signpost to national and local support organisations for debt help and mental health assistance across the UK.

Additionally, Caseworkers can refer particularly vulnerable customers to the DWP Advanced Customer Support team for debt advice, access to benefits and mental health support.

Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published here ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper’(opens in a new tab).

A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months.

Note:

• There will be no immediate changes. Changes to PIP eligibility and rebalancing of UC aren’t coming into effect immediately. Our intention is these changes will start to come into effect from April 2026 for UC and November 2026 for PIP, subject to parliamentary approval.
• PIP changes will only apply at the next award review after November 2026. The average award review period is about three years. At the award review, claimants will be seen by a trained assessor or healthcare professional and assessed on individual needs and circumstances.
• We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met. PIP is not based on condition diagnosis but on functional disability as the result of one or more conditions, and is awarded as a contribution to the additional costs which result.
• We also intend to launch a wider review of the PIP assessment which I will lead, and we will bring together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this and to start the process as part of preparing for a review. We will provide further details as plans progress.

Both Housing Benefit and the housing element of Universal Credit provide support for renters in the private and social rented sectors.

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) determines the maximum housing support for households claiming either benefit can receive if they are privately renting.

Ahead of Autumn Budget 2024, DWP Ministers looked at a range of factors when considering the LHA rates for 2025/26. This included rental data, the impacts of LHA rates, rate increases in April 2024, and the wider fiscal context. The April 2024 one-year LHA increase cost an additional £1.2bn in 2024/25 and approximately £7bn over 5 years.

We have also invested £1bn in funding for both the Household Support Fund (HSF) and Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) (including Barnett impacts) for 2025/26 and the level of DHP funding has been maintained at current levels. DHPs are available from local authorities for those unable to meet a shortfall in their rent.

Any future decisions on LHA policy will be taken in the context of the Government’s missions, goals on housing and the challenging fiscal context.