Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the decision by the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for (a) Benjamin Netanyahu, (b) Yoav Gallant and (c) Mohammed Deif.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. We remain focused on pushing for an immediate ceasefire, to bring an end to the devastating violence in Gaza. This is essential to protect civilians, ensure the release of hostages and to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to improve collaboration between local authorities and multi-academy trusts in the delivery of SEND education in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council area.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. This work forms part of the government’s Opportunity Mission, which will break the unfair link between background and opportunity, starting with giving every child, including those with SEND, the best start in life.

Excellence exists in all parts of our school system, and this government believes schools can perform best when they collaborate with each other and with their local community. That is why, in the King’s Speech, the government committed to legislating on requiring all schools to cooperate with their local authorities on issues such as school inclusion and place planning.

This government wants to work with all parts of our school system so that together we can ensure there is strong partnership and high quality collaboration, especially around the sharing of expertise and good practice, that helps deliver an exceptional education for children and young people with SEND. I expect all schools, regardless of type, to support each other, to drive a self-improving system.

Departmental officials work closely with both Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority and academy trusts to bring all parts of the system together. The department will continue with its work with the local area to ensure that they deliver further improvements in services.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to increase the role of patients in decision making around care home placements.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Health and Care Act 2022 contains a duty for National Health Service trusts and foundation trusts to involve both patients and carers, including young carers, at the earliest opportunity in discharge planning for adult patients who are likely to need care and support after their hospital discharge, where they consider it appropriate to do so.

The statutory discharge guidance sets out how local areas can plan and implement hospital discharge services that cater to individual patients’ needs. This is aimed at senior leaders in NHS commissioning bodies, local authorities, and relevant sectors such as care providers.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the Government meets its targets for (a) clean power, (b) net zero and (c) energy security by 2030 in a way that complements the steps it is taking to meet its targets for 2050.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In November the Government received advice from the NESO on how to achieve our clean power 2030 target. We will review this advice and outline our approach to clean power by 2030 in our action plan later this year. The move to a clean power system by 2030 is vital to support the transition to technologies that will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, including electric vehicles and heat pumps.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to review the (a) accreditation and (b) certification processes for renewable energy installers to ensure that they are accessible for small and medium enterprises.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) sponsors the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) as the national accreditation body. UKAS is independent of government, however DBT is working with UKAS to seek out and assess opportunities for supporting SMEs' participation in and use of accreditation. Certification processes are based on international standards and UKAS accredits to these standards to ensure certification bodies are fit for purpose. Where certification schemes exist, these are initially assessed by UKAS and reviewed on a regular basis by UKAS with the scheme provider.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to reduce the UK's dependence on imported electricity.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government’s upcoming Clean Power 2030 action plan will detail the Government's strategy protect people from increased energy bills caused by volatile global gas markets and accelerate our pathway towards greater energy independence through the deployment of clean energy.

Importing cheaper electricity during peak times reduces the need to turn on carbon-intensive domestic generation and can enhance security of supply by providing access to a more diverse generation pool that complements our domestic energy mix.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of integration of AI-enabled battery storage technologies in increasing the energy efficiency of homes and businesses.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Decarbonising heating is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK. Reducing energy demand and powering homes with green energy is a key priority within the Clean Energy by 2030 Mission. A range of technologies to heat the home of the future are likely to be required including flexible technologies such as battery storage.

More generally, the Home Energy Model (HEM) is a calculation methodology designed to assess the energy performance of homes and is set to replace the Standard Assessment Procedure. Consultations on the proposed HEM closed in March 2024 and the Government will respond to the consultation in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has to (a) support and (b) incentivise (i) small businesses and (ii) contractors to enter the renewable energy installation market.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has introduced the £5 million Heat Training Grant, supporting trainees in England taking training relevant to heat pumps and heat networks. For heat pumps, the grant is designed to support businesses with 250 employees or fewer, including sole traders.

Through the reconvened Solar Taskforce, we are identifying and taking forward the actions needed to develop supply chains and a high skilled, well-paid solar workforce. These actions will be set out in the Solar Roadmap, which is expected to be published in Spring 2025.

DESNZ is also engaging closely with wider reforms to the skills system, including the creation of Skills England and the new Growth and Skills Offer. Our Office for Clean Energy Jobs will ensure we have the skilled workforce we need for the net zero transition, and good jobs are spread across the country.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to (a) encourage commercial property owners to improve energy efficiency and (b) reduce energy wastage, in the context of duties set out in Section 1 of the Climate Change Act 2008.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Commercial landlords are already required to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to improve energy efficiency and the Government has consulted on strengthening these, and we will publish the response early next year. Our energy advice service pilot in the West Midlands is delivering subsidised energy assessments and grant funding for energy efficiency measures to Small and Medium Enterprise’s (SMEs) in the region and we are currently considering options for longer term support for SME decarbonisation. Mandatory energy audits required under the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme also provide large businesses with cost-effective ways to save energy and reduce bills.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reforming the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme to help reduce the cost for installers.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government does not plan to reform the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive in order to reduce the cost for installers. The scheme closed to new applications at the end of March 2022 and no new installations have been carried out since that date.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of penalties for television licence evasion.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The BBC is responsible for collection and enforcement of the TV licence, including deciding whether to bring prosecution action.

The Secretary of State believes it is important that the television licence fee has a fair enforcement regime that does not disproportionately impact vulnerable people, and has discussed her concerns on this issue with the BBC’s leadership.

As part of the next Charter Review, the Government will engage with the BBC and others to consider how to ensure the BBC thrives well into the next decade and beyond. This will include discussions on a range of important issues, including future funding models for the BBC, and their enforcement.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of introducing tax (a) incentives and (b) subsidies for battery storage solutions.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The installation of qualifying energy-saving materials (ESMs) in residential accommodation and buildings used solely for a relevant charitable purpose benefits from a temporary VAT zero rate until March 2027. Following a Call for Evidence (CfE) last year, electrical storage batteries were one of the technologies added to the relief. However, as set out in the Government response to the CfE, at that time, the Government was unable to identify sufficient independent data regarding the efficiency of heat batteries. As such, they do not currently qualify for VAT relief.

EV charge points were also proposed to be added to the ESMs VAT relief by CfE respondents. However, they were not added to the relief, because their primary purpose is not to save energy or reduce carbon emissions, meaning EV charge points don’t meet the objectives of the relief.

The Government currently has no plans to add further technologies to this VAT relief. Nevertheless, the Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process. Changes to the tax system are announced at fiscal events in the usual way.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of introducing (a) new incentives and (b) funding streams to support energy (i) audits and (ii) efficiency improvements in commercial properties.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Commercial landlords are already required to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to improve energy efficiency and the Government has consulted on strengthening these, which we will publish the response to early next year.

Through the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, large businesses must undertake energy audits and are encouraged to make energy efficiency improvements. We are currently providing audits and grants to SMEs as part of a pilot with the West Midlands Combined Authority, to identify and provide grants for energy efficiency measures for businesses.

More detail on the Government’s approach to decarbonising non-domestic buildings, including through the Warm Homes Plan, will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of (a) reinstating and (b) expanding (i) local grant funding schemes previously funded through EU initiatives and (ii) other local grant funding schemes to support (A) energy efficiency and (B) renewable energy projects.

Answered by Kerry McCarthy - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises the importance of local initiatives in driving net zero action and provides initiatives, including funding, to help achieve this.

On energy efficiency, Government will partner with local and combined authorities to roll out the Warm Homes Plan. Government is also using devolution deals with Greater Manchester and West Midlands Combined Authorities to pilot new approaches to funding retrofit from 2025.

In addition, Government funds five Local Net Zero Hubs which support local authorities to develop net zero projects, including those relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy, and to attract commercial investment.

Great British Energy’s Local Power Plan will also provide commercial, technical and project-planning assistance, increasing capacity and capability to build a pipeline of successful projects in local areas.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to provide long-term funding for (a) local energy efficiency and (b) net zero initiatives.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises the importance of local action to help realise our national net zero targets.

On energy efficiency, Government will partner with combined and local authorities to roll out the Warm Homes Plan. We are also using devolution deals with Greater Manchester and West Midlands Combined Authorities to pilot new approaches to funding retrofit from 2025 and are exploring how we can build on these for other areas.

To support net zero initiatives, Government funds five Local Net Zero Hubs which support local authorities to develop net zero projects, including those relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy, and to attract commercial investment.

Great British Energy’s Local Power Plan will also provide commercial, technical and project-planning assistance, increasing capacity and capability to build a pipeline of successful projects in local areas.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has plans to revise or increase incentives for (a) solar photovoltaics installations and (b) battery storage solutions to help encourage wider adoption by (i) homeowners and (ii) businesses.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Details of actions being taken to increase deployment of solar power and battery storage will be set out the forthcoming Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, as well as the forthcoming Solar Roadmap.

Since February 2024, the VAT for solar and battery storage has been 0% and will be until March 2027. And as part of the Warm Homes Plan, officials are exploring the role of incentives and private finance to support homeowners with the upfront costs of energy efficiency improvements and low carbon heating, including support for solar and batteries.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will take steps to reallocate funding from acute care to (a) primary care and (b) the third-sector.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

In spring, we will publish a 10-Year Health Plan, which will set out a bold agenda to deliver on the three big shifts needed, to move healthcare from hospitals to the community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention. This is a long-term challenge and will take time to deliver, and so the plan will consider both what immediate actions are needed to get the National Health Service back on its feet and bring waiting lists down, as well as the longer-term changes needed to make the health service fit for the future.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the powers of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman on decision making around evictions from care homes.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Local authorities should have appropriate plans in place to minimise any disruption of services if a provider exits the market. They are in the best position to find a local solution, with the minimum possible disruption, that meets people’s needs and choices. Their priority will be residents and their families during what can be a difficult time.

Guidance on complying with the Consumer Protection Act issued by the Competition and Markets Authority clearly states that the resident, their representatives, and any other relevant independent professional should be consulted, and that eviction should only occur after efforts have been made to meet the resident’s care needs. The reasons for the consultation should be fully discussed, together with possible solutions, before any final decision is made on the resident’s continued stay in the care home.

Clauses about evictions should be clearly set out in the contracts that residents sign on entering the care homes. The legal minimum notice period is 28 days. This is set out in the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman is the independent complaints lead and works closely with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), sharing information with the CQC to identify poor practice.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to prevent care homes from evicting vulnerable residents.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Local authorities should have appropriate plans in place to minimise any disruption of services if a provider exits the market. They are in the best position to find a local solution, with the minimum possible disruption, that meets people’s needs and choices. Their priority will be residents and their families during what can be a difficult time.

Guidance on complying with the Consumer Protection Act issued by the Competition and Markets Authority clearly states that the resident, their representatives, and any other relevant independent professional should be consulted, and that eviction should only occur after efforts have been made to meet the resident’s care needs. The reasons for the consultation should be fully discussed, together with possible solutions, before any final decision is made on the resident’s continued stay in the care home.

Clauses about evictions should be clearly set out in the contracts that residents sign on entering the care homes. The legal minimum notice period is 28 days. This is set out in the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman is the independent complaints lead and works closely with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), sharing information with the CQC to identify poor practice.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to financially support (a) GP practices and (b) third-sector organisations delivering commissioned services with employer National Insurance contributions from April 2025.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

We have taken necessary decisions to fix the foundations in the public finances at the Autumn Budget, and this enabled the Spending Review settlement of a £22.6 billion increase in resource spending for the Department from 2023/24 outturn to 2025/26. The employer National Insurance rise will be implemented from April 2025, and the Department will set out further details on the allocation of funding for next year at the earliest opportunity, including through NHS Planning Guidance, and the usual consultations, for instance the general practice contract.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with the National Energy Security Operator on the potential (a) marginal and (b) lifecycle carbon emissions from (i) gas with carbon capture and storage (CSS), (ii) bioenergy with CSS, (iii) on-shore wind and (iv) nuclear energy.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Details of Ministers’ and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Published declarations include the purpose of the meeting and the names of any additional external organisations or individuals in attendance.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the (a) effectiveness of the Contracts for Difference scheme and (b) potential scope for reforming investment mechanisms in renewable energy capacity.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to accelerating renewables deployment to meet clean power 2030 and the Contracts for Difference scheme will continue to be an important element of this. We are working with industry to consider ways this scheme and other energy policies can evolve to deliver our clean power goal.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will reinstate a three-year delivery window for solar (a) in Allocation Round 7 and (b) beyond.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to accelerating solar deployment to meet clean power 2030 and reviews the Contracts for Difference scheme before every round to ensure it continues to deliver this and other objectives. We will confirm details for Allocation Round 7 in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to make the UK a net exporter of power by 2030.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government will shortly publish the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan which will outline our approach to delivering a clean electricity system which will ensure our energy security, help tackle the climate crisis, create good jobs and protect billpayers. NESO’s report on achieving clean power by 2030 showed that it is possible for the UK to generate more clean energy than it consumes, creating the scope to export excess clean power to other countries via interconnectors which will enable us to trade energy with some of our closest European allies.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of evictions from care homes on vulnerable people in need of care.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

Local authorities should have appropriate plans in place to minimise any disruption of services if a provider exits the market. They are in the best position to find a local solution, with the minimum possible disruption, that meets people’s needs and choices. Their priority will be residents and their families during what can be a difficult time.

Guidance on complying with the Consumer Protection Act issued by the Competition and Markets Authority clearly states that the resident, their representatives, and any other relevant independent professional should be consulted, and that eviction should only occur after efforts have been made to meet the resident’s care needs. The reasons for the consultation should be fully discussed, together with possible solutions, before any final decision is made on the resident’s continued stay in the care home.

Clauses about evictions should be clearly set out in the contracts that residents sign on entering the care homes. The legal minimum notice period is 28 days. This is set out in the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman is the independent complaints lead and works closely with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), sharing information with the CQC to identify poor practice.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of hostile architecture on persons experiencing rough sleeping.

Answered by Rushanara Ali - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Rough Sleeping levels are far too high, and this can have a devastating impact on those affected. This Government is committed to addressing this and delivering long term solutions.

We have set up a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, to bring together ministers from across government to develop a long-term strategy.

We are committed to providing the services rough sleepers need to leave the street and the support they need to prevent a return to rough sleeping.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing additional funding to the voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations for (a) reducing their energy consumption and (b) other costs.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme (EES) is a £25.53 million grant programme, set up under the previous government and delivered in 2023/24 and 2024/25 to increase the energy efficiency and long-term sustainability of frontline VCSE organisations.

There is no plan to continue the EES beyond this financial year. However there are a number of other ways in which the government supports VCSEs with their financial sustainability. This includes delivering other grant programmes, growing other sources of funding such as the social investment market, and supporting the viability of central and local government contracts. The government will also shortly set out how it intends to allocate the £350 million expected to flow into the Dormant Assets Scheme in England between 2024 and 2028 to the named causes - youth, financial inclusion, social investment, and community wealth funds.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how much funding he plans to provide to the voluntary, community, and social enterprise energy efficiency scheme in 2025.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme (EES) is a £25.53 million grant programme, set up under the previous government and delivered in 2023/24 and 2024/25 to increase the energy efficiency and long-term sustainability of frontline VCSE organisations.

There is no plan to continue the EES beyond this financial year. However there are a number of other ways in which the government supports VCSEs with their financial sustainability. This includes delivering other grant programmes, growing other sources of funding such as the social investment market, and supporting the viability of central and local government contracts. The government will also shortly set out how it intends to allocate the £350 million expected to flow into the Dormant Assets Scheme in England between 2024 and 2028 to the named causes - youth, financial inclusion, social investment, and community wealth funds.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what enforcement mechanisms his Department plans to put in place under ESOS Phase 4 to help ensure that companies comply with required energy efficiency measures.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The energy saving measures identified in audits by large businesses in scope of the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) are currently voluntary to implement. ESOS participants are however required to submit actions plan and progress reports which can include information on proposed implementation of audit recommendations.

The approach to enforcement in England, including civil penalties where ESOS requirements are not met, is set out in the Environment Agency’s enforcement and sanctions policy.

These arrangements were in place in Phase 3 of Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, and the Government has not announced any plans to make further changes in Phase 4.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the the use of energy monitoring systems by businesses to accelerate their progress towards net zero.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The use of energy monitoring systems can support all types and sizes of business to better understand their energy consumption. It can assist large businesses and their corporate groups to carry out mandatory energy assessments of their buildings, transport and industrial processes under the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, to enable the identification of costed energy saving measures. ESOS participants are required to disclose their total energy use, and submit action plans and progress updates on any energy saving measures they decide to implement following their assessment. Businesses that are also in scope of Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting can also set out in their annual reports the key energy efficiency actions they have taken alongside the required energy and emissions disclosures.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress she has made on delivering additional neighbourhood police officers in Dorset.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Home Office)

As part of the Government’s Safer Streets mission, the Home Secretary has made a clear commitment to strengthen neighbourhood policing through the introduction of a Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. This includes delivering an additional 13,000 police officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood policing roles up and down the country and ensuring every community has a named officer to turn to. Every part of the country will benefit from this pledge, including Dorset.

We are working closely with policing to implement this commitment and will announce our plans.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the quantity of natural gas reserves required to (a) maintain variable electricity generation and (b) meet electricity demand.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

To ensure security of supply, the electricity system requires generating capacity that can dispatch power in the event of high peak demand, unexpected outage or during periods of low renewable output. As we transition to clean power the government will work with the private sector to ensure flexible technologies such as hydrogen, long duration electricity storage and power with carbon capture and storage are deployed.

Unabated gas will increasingly move to a backup role as low carbon alternatives deploy. We will continue to develop our strategy to enable a transition away from unabated gas whilst maintaining security of supply.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much biomass electricity generation contributes to the UK's carbon footprint.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government considers the use of sustainable biomass for electricity generation to be low carbon. This assessment takes into account emissions attributed to biomass from across the supply chain.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes territorial emissions estimates, found here https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-territorial-greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-statistics. However, international reporting guidelines, established by organisations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), require carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the combustion of biomass to be accounted for in the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector rather than the energy sector. Correspondingly, CO₂ emissions from the use of imported biomass are accounted for in the LULUCF sectors across the national inventories in which the biomass was harvested.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment has he made of the of the costs faced by (a) electricians and (b) installers in obtaining necessary certifications for renewable energy solutions.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Short courses for electricians training to install EV chargers and solar PV are estimated to cost £300 and £650 (+ VAT) respectively. For heat pump and heat network courses, the Heat Training Grant offers trainees a £500 discount, which covers most of the course costs.

Contractors installing heat pumps and solar PV within Government schemes are required to be Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified. The overall cost of MCS membership can be over £1,000 a year. Many installers are also members of Competent Person Schemes.

The Department will continue to assess the cost of training and certification.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to encourage businesses to (a) prepare for changes to the minimum EPC rating for commercial properties in 2030 and (b) help the UK meet its net zero targets.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has consulted on raising non-domestic Private Rented Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and we are aiming to publish the Government response early next year. We will publish updated guidance to support landlords with compliance where necessary.

The Government has also introduced a number of policies to encourage businesses to help meet net zero targets. This includes Climate Change Agreements which provides business rates exemptions and tax discounts in exchange for businesses meeting energy and carbon reduction targets, the Business Energy Advice Service for SMEs which is currently being piloted in the West Midlands, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme which provides up to £7,500 off the installation of new heat pumps and the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund providing grants for energy efficiency and deep decarbonisation projects.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to encourage businesses to (a) engage with knowledge-sharing platforms and (b) share case studies on (i) improving energy efficiency and (ii) using renewable energy.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is committed to engaging and supporting business small and large through the transition to net zero. We know that SMEs can face particular decarbonisation challenges and it is important they have access to reliable information and advice to help them take action to reduce their emissions.

We encourage small and medium-sized businesses to visit the UK Business Climate Hub, which provides advice to reduce their emissions and case studies, highlighting examples of businesses taking action. It is run by the Broadway Initiative, in partnership with government and a coalition of business organisations.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to provide (a) financial and (b) advisory support to help commercial property owners meet the new EPC rating guidelines for 2030.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government has consulted on raising non-domestic Private Rented Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and will publish the Government response early next year. The Government continues to engage with trade bodies and other key stakeholders to help property owners understand the requirements and what support is available to them and will be publishing updated guidance to support landlords with compliance where necessary.

Non-domestic properties are eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offering up to £7,500 off the installation of a heat pump.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to promote the adoption of energy monitoring technologies to help businesses identify energy savings.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Smart meter-enabled energy monitoring technologies are key to helping businesses understand their energy use in an accessible way to identify savings. Since 1st October 2024, the Government has required energy suppliers to provide all small businesses with free and regular information on their energy use based on their smart meter data, for example via an App, online platform or display. Suppliers must also open up access to data to third parties who are working to provide innovative energy management tools on behalf of businesses of all sizes.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to expand (a) skills training and (b) apprenticeship schemes in the (i) renewable energy and (ii) energy efficiency sectors.

Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government is committed to the UK becoming a Clean Energy Superpower, achieving clean power by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The government is working to ensure that the current and future skills system in England supports workers to retrain for the low carbon economy, including for critical sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. The department’s initiatives include the new growth and skills offer, which will prioritise investment that supports economic growth, increases opportunity, better meets employers’ skills needs and increases investment in skills shortage areas. The Autumn Budget 2024 announced an additional £300 million for our further education (FE) sector, as well as £300 million of capital funding for FE condition, to support the development of the skills the country needs.

Over 40 of the occupational standards that underpin technical education in England directly support the clean energy industry. Others support insulation and energy efficiency in construction.

The government is committed to delivering the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, which will launch in the 2026/27 academic year for courses starting from January 2027. This will broaden access to high-quality, flexible education and training by providing funding for full courses as well as modules of high-value courses. Skills Bootcamps are available to support the workforce to gain new skills, including skills for the low carbon economy.

Skills England is a new national body which will bring together key partners to meet the skills needs of the next decade across all the regions and create a shared national ambition to boost England’s skills. It will provide authoritative assessments of skills needs, ensure a comprehensive suite of apprenticeships, training, and technical qualifications and work with devolved areas and regional organisations to ensure skills needs are met.

Skills England will work closely with the Office for Clean Energy Jobs at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which has been set up with a focus on developing a skilled workforce in core energy and net zero sectors. Skills England published its first report in September, highlighting the skills needed to support targets on net zero, the Clean Energy Mission and UK targets for environmental improvements.

Designated employer representative bodies are leading local skills improvement plans (LSIPs) across England. Education and training providers must have regard to the LSIP when making decisions on relevant provision. In order to approve an LSIP, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education must be satisfied that due consideration was given to the skills, capabilities and expertise required for jobs that directly contribute to, or indirectly support, net zero targets and adaptation to climate change or that meet other environmental goals.

Found: Children and Young People: Pastoral Care 5 November 2024 | UIN 11707 Asked by: Tom Hayes To ask