Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to impose sanctions on people or entities involved in financing the conflict in Sudan, including through the gold trade, and what criteria will guide such decisions.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the sanctions regime in tackling the financing of conflict in Sudan, including the gold trade.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what draft frameworks, texts or proposals for a ceasefire or peace process in Sudan the UK has reviewed as part of its presidency of the UN Security Council; and what role UK officials have had in shaping those proposals.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which (a) countries and (b) organisations have confirmed their participation in the Sudan conference to be held in Berlin; and what outcomes the UK is seeking from that conference.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of humanitarian aid delivery into Sudan, including the main cross-border routes used and the volume of aid delivered, since late 2025.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what financial, technical or diplomatic support the UK is providing to international justice mechanisms investigating crimes committed in Sudan.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of progress towards meeting the commitments made at the London Sudan conference in April 2025.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which organisations are receiving UK funding to deliver humanitarian assistance in Sudan and how their performance is assessed.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what new oversight measures she plans to introduce in relation to home schooling as referenced in the Statement of 9 March 2026; whether local authorities will be granted additional statutory powers to register or inspect home-educated children; what safeguards she will put in place to ensure that families who home educate are not subject to disproportionate regulation; and what assessment she has made of the potential resource implications for local authorities.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will require local authorities to maintain registers of children who are not in school, including home-educated children, and require parents of eligible children to give information for these registers. This will support authorities to identify children who are not receiving a safe, suitable education so they can take action.

The Bill also requires some parents to seek permission from the local authority before children can be withdrawn for home education, such as children who are subject to section 47 enquiries, are on a child protection plan (or were previously in the last five years), or who attend a special school. This additional check will ensure these children receive a suitable education that is in their best interests.

When carrying out their duties, local authorities must act reasonably and we will provide additional training and statutory guidance to support with this. We will also conduct a New Burdens Assessment to establish the amount of additional funding required by local authorities to fulfil their duties. Evidence for this assessment will be gathered through a public consultation ahead of implementation of the measures.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what the forecast level of public sector net debt as a proportion of GDP will be in each year of the forecast period; what the reasons are for the projected increase in debt; and what steps she is taking to reduce public debt.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

This data is available at Table A.9: Fiscal aggregates in the March 2026 Economic and Fiscal Outlook published by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

The government’s fiscal plan brings down borrowing and debt, keeps the public finances on a sustainable path and supports the Bank of England to bring down inflation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what estimate she has made of the forecast increase in welfare spending over the forecast period; what the projected level of welfare expenditure will be in each financial year to 2030-31; what proportion of that spending is forecast to be allocated to working-age benefits, disability benefits and pensioner benefits; and whether she is taking steps to control projected growth in welfare spending.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Forecasts for welfare spending are the responsibility of the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Written Statement of 20 June 2025 on Government Response to the Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office, HCWS1360, which government services the cross-government group referenced in the Statement is considering improving through the Post Office network; what his planned timetable is for the development of those proposals; and what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of this change on Post Office footfall and revenue.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The cross-government group referenced is considering options for a common physical front-end for government services to ensure there is a ‘go to’ place for a range of government services, expanded assisted digital support, an enhanced role in identity verification and exploring new propositions such as prescription collection. Further updates on government services in post offices will be provided in due course.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Local Government Finance Statement made on 23 February 2026, what changes have been made to the assessment of relative need within the Settlement; whether independent validation has been undertaken to test the updated needs formula; what weightings have been applied to deprivation, rurality, population growth and service demand; and if he will publish any technical modelling and equality impact assessment.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The recent Local Government Finance Settlement is our most significant step yet to make English local government more sustainable. For the first time since 2013-14, the government is updating the relative needs formulas that form a key part of how local authorities' funding allocations are calculated, using more up-to-date data. This includes using the recently published 2025 Indices of Multiple Deprivation, an official Statistic produced by MHCLG.

Each relative needs formula has been constructed using consistent principles, applying statistical techniques to weight variables according to their influence on service demand. An overview of the weightings applied to the formulas within the assessment of relative need can be found within the Fair Funding Share Calculator on gov.uk here. For further detail on the weightings and technical modelling underpinning the relative needs assessment, please refer to the relevant technical annex published on gov.uk here.

The methodology proposed by the government was subject to a technical peer review by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which can be found here.

An assessment of the equalities impacts of our proposals was published as part of the government’s response to the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, which can be found on gov.uk here Overall, the government assessed that the changes delivered through the Settlement would have positive equalities impacts.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Local Government Finance Statement made on 23 February 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of writing off 90% of Dedicated Schools Grant high needs deficits accrued to the end of 2025-26 on the economy; what the estimated value of write-off is by local authority; what steps he is taking to prevent deficits re-accumulating; and whether councils impacted by the write-off will face (a) borrowing restrictions and (b) additional oversight.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has set out details of a reformed SEND system which meets needs earlier, before challenges escalate. All local authorities with a SEND deficit are eligible for a grant to resolve 90% of their historic deficits up to 2025‑26— projected to be worth over £5 billion nationally—protecting their ability to support children and young people with SEND in local schools while sustaining wider services and tackling deprivation. Addressing deficits accrued to 2025‑26 could reduce financing costs by an estimated £300 million by 2027‑28.

Each local authority’s grant allocation will be determined by reviewing all available sources on local authority expenditure to establish the eligible SEND deficit. This will include comparing Section 251 data, draft and published Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) notes, DSG s151 assurance, Revenue Outturn data and published accounts.

Grant eligibility is conditional on securing Department for Education approval of a Local SEND Reform Plan, which will also be used to assess ongoing performance and delivery to target support and challenge throughout the reform period.

Local authorities will continue to operate under existing prudential financial management frameworks.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Local Government Finance Statement made on 23 February 2026, when he plans to publish the consultation on strengthening safeguards over local government borrowing; whether statutory limits on debt-to-revenue ratios are under consideration; what assessment he has made of the potential impact of such restrictions on housing and regeneration delivery; and whether modelling of the effect on future capital investment will be published.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Local authorities are responsible for their own borrowing and investment decisions, within a statutory framework intended to ensure borrowing is prudent, affordable and sustainable.

The government recognises the importance of local investment, including for housing and growth. Under the previous government, however, weaknesses in the system allowed a minority of authorities to take on excessive debt for high-risk investment that have not represented value for money. In some cases, this has led to serious failures requiring government intervention and significant cost to taxpayers.

The government is therefore bringing into effect the capital risk powers added to the Local Government Act 2003 in 2023. The aim is to safeguard the system to support essential investment while giving government the tools to address instances of excessive borrowing and investment risk before failure occurs.

The government will work with the sector in developing use of the powers to ensure they are effective and to avoid unintended consequences. We will consult later this year.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Local Government Finance Statement made on 23 February 2026, what estimate he has made of the aggregate level of debt held by local authorities in relation to commercial property acquisition; how many councils hold commercial property investments exceeding 100% of their annual core spending power; what exposure the Public Works Loan Board has to such investments; and whether he plans to use statutory capital powers to prevent debt-financed commercial activity.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government does not collect data specifically on debt incurred to finance commercial property. However, authorities are required to submit data on borrowing, capital spend and asset holdings to government as part of quarterly and annual returns.

• Borrowing and investment data for each authority is shown by quarter on gov.uk here. This includes detail on the value of outstanding borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board.
• Capital expenditure, receipts and financing data is published on gov.uk here.
• Data on assets held by authorities is published on gov.uk here.
• Core Spending Power for each authority is published on gov.uk here

The government is taking forward work to implement the capital powers introduced into the Local Government Act 2003 in 2023, which provide powers for government to take action where an authority is exposed to excessive risk from borrowing and investment practices. The government will consult on use of these powers later this year.

The government’s objective is to safeguard the existing framework so that it continues to support essential investment—such as for housing and regeneration—while preventing practices such as taking on excessive debt for novel and risky investments. We will work closely with the sector to ensure that the powers are effective and avoid unintended consequences.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the statement of 9 March 2026 entitled Social Cohesion Action Plan, what indicators he will include in the proposed Social Cohesion Measurement Framework; how frequently those indicators will be reported; whether the framework will include metrics relating to migration levels, language proficiency and community participation; and whether local authorities will be required to report against those measures as part of their statutory duties.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The social cohesion action plan published last week, set out the steps that Government is taking to improve social cohesion. This includes the development of a social cohesion measurement framework and a social cohesion risk tool. Both of these are needed to enable central and local government and relevant partners to assess cohesion in a robust and comparable way. The Framework will be available to local government, civil society and impact investors across England, to help them identify emerging tensions. The cohesion risk tool will create a clear information-sharing link between local and central government – including Prevent and other relevant partners.

Work on the social cohesion measurement framework and cohesion risk tool is underway. We will publish fuller details of this work, including the purpose and content of the framework, and findings in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what amount of zero-emission bus funding awarded by her Department since 2021 has had to be returned to the Department for Transport; which local transport authorities have returned funding; what reasons were given in each case; and what assessment she has made of potential implications of those cases for assessments of the effectiveness of the design and oversight of the Government’s zero-emission bus funding programmes.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

There have been four local transport authorities (LTAs) that have returned Zero Emission Buses Regional Areas (ZEBRA) funding due to a decrease in project scoping or because the project can no longer be delivered as approved. The LTAs that returned funding are as follows:

• Blackpool - returned money on 27 November 2023.
• Nottingham - returned money on 28 September 2023 due to a reduction in scope on the project.
• Warrington - returned money on 12 October 2023 due to a reduction in scope on the project.
• West Midlands - returned money in two separate repayments. This was due to the articulated buses switching from hydrogen fuel to electric (on 4 October 2023) and their intended double deck hydrogen buses being replaced by electric version (on 19 March 2025). The project is now delivering more zero emission buses for the reduced cost.

The Department considers these cases evidence that the ZEBRA change control and monitoring framework is functioning as intended. Requirements for returns are triggered where delivery no longer aligns with approved business cases, ensuring value for money and maintaining subsidy control compliance. In addition, ongoing evaluation of ZEBRA ensures lessons learned on deliverability are shared to improve future ZEB deployment across LTAs.

All returned funding has been reinvested into alternate ZEB projects, including increasing the scope of established ZEBRA projects where appropriate.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of accident rates at high-risk urban junctions in England; what funding streams are available to local authorities to improve junction safety through measures such as traffic signal redesign, new crossings, and improved signage; and whether the Government plans to expand dedicated road safety funding for local authorities seeking to address collision hotspots.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Data on reported road collisions, including location and whether at a junction, is collected by police forces via the system known as STATS19 and is published annually on gov.uk, which would allow this analysis to be carried out, but it is not analysed at that level of detail centrally.

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. The Strategy sets out the Department’s intention to establish a data-led road safety investigation branch to learn lessons from road incidents, by taking a strategic, thematic approach, focusing on patterns of collisions, injury trends, and systemic safety issues. It will adopt a test-and-learn approach, using real-world evidence to inform targeted safety interventions, data-driven policies, and proactive prevention and enforcement strategies.

The Department provides significant funding for road infrastructure in England, both to local authorities and to National Highways. Road Safety is a crucial consideration in how that money is spent. The government will provide £24 billion of capital funding between 2026-27 and 2029-30 to maintain and improve motorways and local roads across the country. This future funding builds upon the record investment of £1.6 billion in local road maintenance for 2025 to 2026, representing a £500 million increase compared to last year.

New funding arrangements for Mayors and Combined Authorities means less ring-fencing of funds by central Government. We know that many Mayors have ambitious road safety plans and strategies and we look forward to working in partnership with them. The traffic authority has the responsibility of making decisions about the roads under its care, based on its knowledge of the area and taking into account local needs and considerations.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Local Government Finance Statement made on 23 February 2026, what the estimated annual operating cost of the proposed Local Audit Office will be; how it will be funded; how its powers and remit will differ from the existing audit framework; and what timetable has been set for clearing the backlog of outstanding local authority audits prior to its establishment in autumn 2026.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Local Audit Office will take on a remit and powers currently fragmented across the existing system with its statutory objectives and functions detailed in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. We will confirm the estimated cost and funding mechanisms later in the year, ensuring that it provides greater value for money than the current failed system.

Following the introduction of statutory local audit backstop dates in autumn 2024, the backlog of unaudited accounts has been cleared. The vast majority of opinions for financial years up to and including 2024/25 have been published.

The government continues to engage with local bodies and audit firms to ensure that issues preventing the issuance of audit opinions are resolved, and that remaining opinions are published as soon as practicable.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she held with the Ethiopian Government and the African Union on conflict prevention and resolution during her February 2026 visit to Ethiopia.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Alongside our international partners, the UK continues to call for tensions or disputes in Ethiopia to be resolved peacefully and diplomatically, and for all parties to avoid actions that would inflame or escalate those tensions. We also continue to support multilateral efforts to promote peace and stability in Ethiopia, including backing implementation of the African Union-led Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

During her visit to Addis Ababa in February 2026, the Foreign Secretary discussed these issues with both Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the UK-EU treaty on Gibraltar on the supply of British food and drink to Gibraltar.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 26 February, and related statements in the Gibraltar Parliament. The final text of the treaty will be brought before the House for scrutiny in the usual way in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what level of financial support she provides to local transport authorities for commercial bus networks during the transition to franchised bus systems; whether operators must meet performance requirements to receive such funding; and whether she has made an assessment of the sustainability of any such funding.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government has confirmed investment of over £3 billion from 2026/27 for the rest of the spending review period to support local leaders and bus operators across the country to improve bus services for millions of passengers. This funding includes a £3 million Bus Franchising Support Fund in 2026/27 for Mayoral Strategic Authorities in the process of developing and implementing bus franchising schemes which is designed to aid transition. We have also allocated further funding of approximately £10 million per year until 2029 to a franchising support package for local authorities that are actively seeking to transition to a franchised network.

In addition, we are providing multi-year allocations for local authorities under the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG) totalling nearly £700 million per year, ending the short-term approach to bus funding and giving councils the certainty they need to plan ahead. This funding can be used to support bus services, including by those local authorities who are transitioning to franchised networks.

The Government also makes available over £240 million per year for bus operators through the longstanding Bus Services Operators Grant (BSOG) to continue running and protect existing services. Responsibility for payment of the BSOG is devolved to any LTA transitioning to franchising, and a share of the national BSOG budget will be transferred to the authority.

On operator performance, we expect operators to provide the service they have advertised. Where operators are consistently not providing this, the Traffic Commissioner can take action, including fines or suspending the operating licence.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of (a) changes to the national bus fare cap on bus use levels and (b) fare levels on discretionary off-peak bus travel.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport is currently undertaking an evaluation of the £3 single bus fare cap and its impacts, with the full report expected to be published later this year.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the statement of 25 February 2026 on the Government Response to the Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office, what proportion of the Post Office network consists of full-time, full-service branches; how many branches will be (a) upgraded and (b) reclassified to meet the 50% requirement; what estimate his Department has made of the cost of achieving that requirement; and what guidance has been issued to the Post Office on the implementation of that target.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

As set out in the Government’s response to the Post Office Green Paper, at least half of the Post Office’s network must be full‑time, full‑service branches. This new requirement provides flexibility for the Post Office to expand lighter-touch formats, such as parcel shops, where there is demand, while guaranteeing the core majority of the network is full time and full-service. The network must also continue to comply with the pre-existing 11,500 minimum branch requirement and Access Critieria, which mean, for example, that 99% of the total UK population must be within three miles of their nearest Post Office branch.

As set out in Government’s Green Paper response, as of April 2025, 79% of branches already meet the ‘full-time, full-service' definition. Consequently, no branches require upgrade or reclassification to achieve the 50% threshold at this stage and there are accordingly no additional associated costs or further guidance required.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what oversight her Department has of the scheduling and coordination of major highway repair works undertaken by local authorities; what requirements exist to minimise prolonged closures and manage delays; and whether she plans to introduce new standards for assessing the economic and community impact of extended roadworks.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Under the Highways Act 1980, responsibility for planning, prioritising and delivering maintenance on local roads sits with the relevant local authority, who are best placed to understand local network needs and manage works on their assets.

This is supported by the statutory Co-ordination Code of Practice and the national permit scheme, which sets clear requirements to plan works effectively, minimise disruption and avoid unnecessary occupation of the highway. These include controls on the timing and duration of works, strengthened permit validity windows, and the use of sanctions where closures overrun.

The Department does not currently plan to introduce new national standards for assessing the economic or community impacts of extended roadworks. However, we regularly review statutory guidance such as the Co-ordination Code of Practice to ensure that authorities continue to apply consistent, evidence‑based methods for minimising disruption and coordinating works effectively.

In January 2026, the Department also introduced a new rating system for local highway authorities, measuring how well they are maintaining their local roads and whether they do so using best practice. As part of this, the ratings consider what actions local highway authorities are taking to reduce disruption to road users from street and road works. The ratings will be updated annually, and the Department is providing dedicated support to red-rated local highway authorities to help them improve and adopt best practice.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what additional powers she plans to grant the Charity Commission to tackle extremist abuse as referenced in the Statement of 9 March 2026; whether these powers will require primary legislation; what safeguards he will introduce to ensure that legitimate charitable and community activities are not inadvertently affected; and what plans he has to consult with the voluntary sector.

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

As part of the Government’s action plan for social cohesion we have announced that the Charity Commission’s powers will be extended to tackle extremist abuse of charities. This includes: extending its ability to suspend trustees and close down charities; introducing mandatory trustee ID verification; and digitising charity accounts to improve transparency and accountability. As a first step we will shortly consult on measures to automatically ban individuals convicted of hate crimes from serving as charity trustees or senior managers, and make it easier for the Charity Commission to take action against people promoting violence or hatred. These changes can be implemented through secondary legislation. DCMS will engage the sector on any further changes which may require primary legislation.

The Government intends for the Charity Commission’s powers to be used proportionately to protect charities. In rare cases that charitable status is abused for extremist purposes the Charity Commission must be able to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard charitable funds and to protect public trust and confidence in charities.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support she is providing to mayoral combined authorities to support the transition to bus franchising systems; what funding she has allocated for transition costs, depot acquisition and fleet procurement; and what her planned timetable is for the rollout of franchised bus services in mayoral combined authority areas.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government has confirmed investment of over £3 billion from 2026/27 for the rest of the spending review period to support local leaders and bus operators across the country to improve bus services for millions of passengers. This funding includes a £3 million Bus Franchising Support Fund in 2026/27 for Mayoral Strategic Authorities in the process of developing and implementing bus franchising schemes, which is designed to aid transition. We have also allocated further funding of approximately £10 million per year until 2029 to a franchising support package for local authorities that are actively seeking to transition to a franchised network. MSAs can also use funding allocated to them under the Local Authority Bus Grant to support their transition to franchising where they choose to do so.

The Department for Transport does not have a planned timetable for the rollout of franchised bus services in MSA areas because decisions on whether and when to introduce franchised bus services are for local leaders to take.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking with her Ethiopian counterpart to improve the efficiency of returns of Ethiopian nationals with no right to remain in the UK.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office, working with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, engages regularly with the Ethiopian Government to support the return of Ethiopian nationals with no right to remain in the UK.

In February 2026 the Foreign Secretary visited Ethiopia and discussed cooperation on illegal migration and returns with Ethiopian counterparts, and officials are taking forward further technical and operational engagement to enhance cooperation on returns.

The Government has removed or deported nearly 60,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals since it took office.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how she plans to expand the remit of the visa taskforce referenced in the Statement of 9 March 2026; what additional resources she will allocate to this work; how individuals identified as extremist risks will be assessed within visa processes; and how this policy will interact with existing Home Office counter-extremism and border security frameworks.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

As set out in the recently published "Protecting What Matters" document, overseas speakers of extremist concern will be identified and referred to specialist teams to take swift immigration action, including cancelling or refusing their visas or ETAs, should they attempt to travel to the UK.

To deliver this work, the Disruptions team, which horizon scans for extremist influence and events, will be expanded with additional operational and analytical resource. This builds on strong enforcement action by the team over the past two years, where the highest harm extremists from across the political spectrum were targeted and stopped from coming to the UK.

The Home Office already has sophisticated mechanisms in place to seek out and prevent extremist individuals from entering the UK. This work operates in conjunction with existing border security and immigration frameworks.

Each case will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If an individual is deemed to be "non-conducive to the public good", then immigration officials may take action including refusal or cancelling entry clearance or permission to stay in the UK.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of e-scooter trial schemes on urban transport usage; what analysis she has undertaken of safety performance and usage trends; and what plans she has for the future regulation of shared micromobility schemes.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The first national evaluation of the e-scooter rental trials was published on the Department’s website in 2022. The evaluation captured evidence on the impact of schemes, including on usage and safety.

A second national evaluation started in 2025 and is expected to report in 2027. This evaluation aims to gather updated evidence on usage, what journeys e-scooters are replacing, integration with public transport, and their safety both on the road and for other road users, compared to other modes.

In July 2025, the Government introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The Bill includes measures empowering local leaders to license shared cycle schemes. This legislation may also extend to shared e-scooter and other shared micromobility schemes in future.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of UK Official Development Assistance was delivered through technical assistance in 2024-25; and what proportion was delivered through grant-based programmes.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March setting out the Official Development Assistance allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents detailing the forecast impact of those allocations, and the ways in which their impact will be assessed.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department conducted an impact assessment ahead of the increased use of technical assistance in UK Official Development Assistance programmes.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March setting out the Official Development Assistance allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents detailing the forecast impact of those allocations, and the ways in which their impact will be assessed.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what role the Independent Commission for Aid Impact plays in assessing value for money in the UK’s multilateral Official Development Assistance contributions.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March setting out the Official Development Assistance allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents detailing the forecast impact of those allocations, and the ways in which their impact will be assessed.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when her Department last undertook a department-wide value for money assessment of Official Development Assistance spending; and whether this assessment was shared with the Independent Commission for Aid Impact.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March setting out the Official Development Assistance allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents detailing the forecast impact of those allocations, and the ways in which their impact will be assessed.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of UK-supported law enforcement cooperation in the Horn of Africa on disrupting organised people-smuggling routes to Europe.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Full details of the announcements made, and issues discussed, during the Foreign Secretary's visit to Ethiopia were set out on GOV.UK on 2 February at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-sets-out-new-cooperation-on-illegal-migration.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps UK law enforcement agencies are taking with Ethiopian authorities to share intelligence on criminal smuggler gangs operating from the Horn of Africa.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Full details of the announcements made, and issues discussed, during the Foreign Secretary's visit to Ethiopia were set out on GOV.UK on 2 February at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-sets-out-new-cooperation-on-illegal-migration.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what role British International Investment is playing in UK-backed projects in Ethiopia announced during her February 2026 visit; and what total value those projects represent.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Full details of the announcements made, and issues discussed, during the Foreign Secretary's visit to Ethiopia were set out on GOV.UK on 2 February at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-sets-out-new-cooperation-on-illegal-migration.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what objectives the Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility II is intended to achieve; and how progress against those objectives will be measured.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Full details of the announcements made, and issues discussed, during the Foreign Secretary's visit to Ethiopia were set out on GOV.UK on 2 February at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-sets-out-new-cooperation-on-illegal-migration.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she committed to providing humanitarian funding to Ethiopia during her visit in February 2026.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Full details of the announcements made, and issues discussed, during the Foreign Secretary's visit to Ethiopia were set out on GOV.UK on 2 February at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-sets-out-new-cooperation-on-illegal-migration.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of long-term road closures on small businesses located near major road and bridge repair works; what guidance exists for highway authorities on mitigating disruption to local businesses; whether compensation schemes are available for affected businesses; and what steps she is taking to ensure improved communication with businesses during extended infrastructure works.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has not made a formal national assessment of the impact of long-term road or bridge closures on small businesses. These impacts vary significantly depending on the scale of works, local travel patterns, and the mitigation measures put in place by the local highway authority. However, we expect highway authorities to plan and coordinate works in line with their duties under the Traffic Management Act 2004 and the Co‑ordination Code of practice including ensuring works are properly coordinated and communicating clearly with affected residents and businesses.

There is no general entitlement to compensation for loss of trade arising from properly executed road or street works. This position has been maintained by successive governments. Limited statutory compensation exists only for gas and water companies under sector specific legislation; there are no equivalent duties for electricity or telecoms. Any discretionary support is a matter for local authorities or utilities.

We continue to encourage authorities and works promoters to maintain clear, proactive engagement with local businesses during extended works, supported by recent regulatory steps to improve coordination and reduce avoidable disruption.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what analysis her Department has undertaken of the most common contributory factors in fatal road collisions; what proportion of fatal collisions involve excessive or inappropriate speed; and what steps the Government is taking to address these risk factors.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury

Statistics on factors contributing to fatal collisions in Great Britain are summarised within the Department’s annual road casualty statistics published on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024/reported-road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report-2024#factors-contributing-to-fatalities

In 2024, 59 per cent of fatal collisions had a speed-related factor assigned.

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. The Strategy sets out the Department’s intention to establish a data-led road safety investigation branch to learn lessons from road incidents, by taking a strategic, thematic approach, focusing on patterns of collisions, injury trends, and systemic safety issues. It will adopt a test-and-learn approach, using real-world evidence to inform targeted safety interventions, data-driven policies, and proactive prevention and enforcement strategies.

The Department has also committed to updating its guidance to local authorities on setting local speed limits and on the deployment of speed and red‑light cameras.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the delivery risks associated with zero-emission bus programmes delivered in partnership with private bus operators; what steps her Department has taken to ensure that local transport authorities retain sufficient oversight of procurement and delivery decisions; and what lessons the Department has identified from projects where zero-emission bus funding allocations have been revised or returned.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department routinely monitors delivery of zero-emission bus (ZEB) programmes through engagement with Local Transport Authorities (LTAs). The main risks identified include: (i) securing timely grid connections and working with Distribution Network Operators; (ii) technical integration of charging infrastructure and depot upgrades; and (iii) programme governance and communications across partners.

Oversight of projects by LTAs is retained and assurances given by operators through the use of a grant funding agreement (GFA) which sets out specific outputs in order for the operator to receive grant funding and that each project is completed as anticipated.

The lessons learnt from each project will be provided by the monitoring and evaluation process once projects have concluded.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, with reference to the Restoration and Renewal Client Board’s proposals for a permanent Education Centre within the Palace of Westminster, what assessment the Commission has made of the likelihood of delivering a replacement Education Centre before the expiry of the current facility’s licence in 2030; what contingency plans are in place should a permanent facility not be operational by that date; and whether the Commission has made an assessment of the potential impact on parliamentary education and outreach if there is a gap in provision.

Answered by Nick Smith

Officials are developing options for educational provision both for the period from 2029 (which takes into account the period required to demolish the current centre before the expiry of the current planning and license agreements in 2030) and in the longer term during the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) works. Proposals will be considered by domestic committees in both Houses in due course.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in reference to the statement of 25 February 2026 on the Government Response to the Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that future IT systems used by the Post Office avoid the operational and governance failures associated with the Horizon system; what procurement processes are being used to select replacement providers; and whether Fujitsu will have any future role in Post Office IT systems or services.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Post Office Limited is using the competitive flexible process (pursuant to the Procurement Act 2023) in order to select suppliers. Post Office expect by Summer 2026 to award a contract for a new supplier to replace Fujitsu and all parties remain committed to seeing that happen as soon as possible.

The Government acknowledges the necessity for maintained oversight and is taking appropriate action to ensure that POL can successfully transition to a new IT system which is robust and fit-for-purpose.

Fujitsu has announced that it will not bid for further Government business unless specifically asked to do so by Government. Such requests are made only where Fujitsu’s involvement is necessary to maintain critical public services.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the statement of 25 February 2026 on the Government Response to the Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office, what increase in remuneration for postmasters is expected to result from the introduction of Banking Framework 4; what assessment his Department has made of the sustainability of Post Office banking services as bank branch closures continue; and what additional services are being considered to strengthen the Post Office’s role in providing access to cash and banking services.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Banking Framework 4 increases remuneration rates for cash services. Increases will vary by branch activity. Post Office has also committed to improving remuneration through its Transformation plan, which includes cost saving investments (such as automation) related to the implementation of the Banking Framework.

Banking Framework 4 secures Post Office’s important role in providing free-to-access cash and banking services until December 2030. As set out in the Government response to the Green Paper, there was a constructive joint discussion between government, the Post Office and the banking sector in January 2026, where several areas of mutual interest were discussed including additional banking services.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in reference to the statement of 25 February 2026 on the Government Response to the Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office, what assessment his Department has made of whether the existing Access Criteria remain sufficient to ensure equitable access to Post Office services in rural, coastal and deprived urban areas; whether changes to those criteria are under consideration; and how the Government will monitor compliance with those requirements at a regional and local level.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government’s Green Paper consultation confirmed that the public, especially rural communities and small businesses, rely on their local Post Office for essential services. We are therefore committed to retaining the 11,500‑branch minimum network and existing access criteria to ensure nationwide access to essential services.

In the Green Paper consultation response, the Government explicitly confirms that all six Access Criteria will remain in place, and performance will be monitored by the Government through regular reporting and Post Office’s published annual Network Report.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the statement of 25 February 2026 on the Government Response to the Green Paper on the Future of the Post Office, what proportion of the planned £180 million network subsidy funding over the next three financial years represents new funding rather than the continuation or repurposing of existing subsidy arrangements; how that funding will be allocated across the network; and what conditions will be attached to the use of that subsidy by the Post Office.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department plans to provide up to £180 million of funding through a new network subsidy to Post Office over the next three financial years. The entirety of this funding is new, with the specific allocation of funding across the network being an operational matter for the Post Office.

This funding will support with the operational costs of delivering government policy, which requires Post Office to deliver essential services across specific access criteria. This includes the requirement to ensure that 99% of the UK population is within 3 miles of their nearest post office outlet.

The Framework Document between the Department and POL sets out that network subsidy is ringfenced for the purposes of delivering government policy via the branch network.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support is available for pubs and hospitality businesses experiencing significant reductions in customer numbers due to prolonged roadworks or infrastructure closures nearby; whether the Government has considered targeted relief schemes in such circumstances; and what assessment has been made of the wider economic impact of infrastructure disruption on the hospitality sector.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government understands the pressure that prolonged roadworks and infrastructure closures can place on local businesses, including pubs and hospitality venues. Local authorities are responsible for managing works and mitigating disruption, including through traffic management and coordination duties.

Wider business support like business rates relief, grants, and the Recovery Loan Scheme remain available to eligible firms. While no targeted national relief scheme is in place specifically for disruption arising from roadworks, the Government supports local authorities to minimise disruption. This is done by coordinating works, using permits and enforcement powers, and applying tools like Street Manager and lane rental schemes to keep traffic moving.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of planned fuel duty increases on households in rural and car-dependent areas; and what modelling the Treasury has undertaken on the additional commuting costs faced by motorists in those areas during a period of rising global fuel prices.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor considers a wide range of impacts when taking decisions on tax policy. At Budget 2025, the Government announced that the 5p cut in fuel duty would be extended until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026/27 will also not take place, with RPI uprating resuming from 2027/28 onwards.

Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government's decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist over £90 – or 8-11 pence per litre.

The Government has published Tax Impact and Information Notes (TIINs) assessing the impacts of the 2026/27 fuel duty rates, which can be found at GOV.UK:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-duty-rates-for-2026-to-2027/fuel-duty-rates-2026-to-2027

The Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme provides a 5p reduction to motorists buying fuel in certain areas. The areas included in the scheme demonstrate certain characteristics such as: pump prices much higher than the UK average; remoteness leading to high fuel transport costs from refinery to filling station, and; relatively low sales meaning that retailers cannot benefit from bulk discounts.

As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices affordable at the pump. As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential combined impact of the proposed increase in fuel duty and the recent rise in global oil prices on the price of petrol and diesel in the next 12 months.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor considers a wide range of impacts when taking decisions on tax policy. At Budget 2025, the Government announced that the 5p cut in fuel duty would be extended until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026/27 will also not take place, with RPI uprating resuming from 2027/28 onwards.

Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government's decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist over £90 – or 8-11 pence per litre.

The Government has published Tax Impact and Information Notes (TIINs) assessing the impacts of the 2026/27 fuel duty rates, which can be found at GOV.UK:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-duty-rates-for-2026-to-2027/fuel-duty-rates-2026-to-2027

The Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme provides a 5p reduction to motorists buying fuel in certain areas. The areas included in the scheme demonstrate certain characteristics such as: pump prices much higher than the UK average; remoteness leading to high fuel transport costs from refinery to filling station, and; relatively low sales meaning that retailers cannot benefit from bulk discounts.

As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices affordable at the pump. As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what estimate she has made of the additional annual cost to the average UK motorist as a result of the planned staged increases in fuel duty between September 2026 and March 2027; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of those increases on household finances.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor considers a wide range of impacts when taking decisions on tax policy. At Budget 2025, the Government announced that the 5p cut in fuel duty would be extended until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026/27 will also not take place, with RPI uprating resuming from 2027/28 onwards.

Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government's decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist over £90 – or 8-11 pence per litre.

The Government has published Tax Impact and Information Notes (TIINs) assessing the impacts of the 2026/27 fuel duty rates, which can be found at GOV.UK:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-duty-rates-for-2026-to-2027/fuel-duty-rates-2026-to-2027

The Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme provides a 5p reduction to motorists buying fuel in certain areas. The areas included in the scheme demonstrate certain characteristics such as: pump prices much higher than the UK average; remoteness leading to high fuel transport costs from refinery to filling station, and; relatively low sales meaning that retailers cannot benefit from bulk discounts.

As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices affordable at the pump. As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the statement of 9 March 2026 on Protecting What Matters, what criteria he will use to determine the allocation of the £5.8 billion Pride in Place funding; which local authorities will receive the additional £800 million allocated on social cohesion; what metrics he will use to determine whether cohesion is under pressure; and what proportion of that funding will be new money.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On Friday 20 March we announced a major expansion of the landmark Pride in Place programme. This follows the government’s action plan for social cohesion, “Protecting What Matters” which confirmed a further £800 million over ten years to 40 more areas where social cohesion is under pressure. Full details of the methodology used to select places is published on gov.uk.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what the forecast rate of UK economic growth is expected to be in each year of the forecast period; what the principal risks are to those forecasts; and what policy measures she intends to pursue to improve long-term productivity and economic growth.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) published its latest Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO) on the 3^rd March 2026. The OBR forecasts that the UK economy will grow by 1.1% in 2026, and will then grow at an average rate of 1.6% per year from 2027 to 2030.

The OBR set out in their EFO what they see as the key risks to the forecasts. In their press conference, the OBR emphasised that while the central forecast does not assume a renewed energy shock, the conflict represents the key downside risk.

The government’s economic strategy is focused on delivering long-term reform, ensuring the UK is better placed to withstand external shocks. This includes targeted investment to boost growth, support innovation, and strengthen trading relationships, alongside action to improve our labour market participation and skills. These interventions form part of a broader plan to raise productivity, expand economic capacity and support living standards across the UK, while strengthening our economic resilience in an age of global insecurity shaped by geopolitical tensions, including those involving Iran.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what fiscal headroom the Government is forecast to have against its fiscal rules in each year of the forecast period; what sensitivity analysis has been undertaken by the Office for Budget Responsibility regarding changes in growth, interest rates or inflation; and what assessment she has made of the level of risks to the Government’s ability to meet its fiscal targets.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

In line with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)'s mandate, the OBR did not provide a formal assessment of performance against the fiscal rules at the Spring forecast on 3 March. The fiscal rules will be formally assessed alongside the Budget.

As the Chancellor said in her speech to the House, the forecast shows headroom against the stability rule has increased since the Budget from £21.7bn at the Budget to £23.6bn in 2029-30, which is the target year, meaning greater resilience against shocks and stability in the economy. Headroom against the investment rule is also higher at £27.1bn in 2029-30.

As an independent body, the OBR has full discretion over its forecast methodology and the judgements underpinning its forecasts. As is standard, the March 2026 Economic and Fiscal Outlooks included sensitivity analysis around key economic variables and highlighted upside and downside risks to its central forecast

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the Parliamentary Education Centre currently located in Victoria Tower Gardens, what discussions her Department has had with (a) the Restoration and Renewal Client Board and (b) Parliamentary authorities on the future of the site beyond 2030; whether any options to extend or vary the existing licence have been formally considered; and what assessment she has made of the future use of the site once the current Education Centre is vacated.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DCMS has not had discussions with the Restoration and Renewal Client board on the Parliamentary Education Centre.

Terms have been agreed for a new lease for the Parliamentary Education Centre until the end of 2030.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the comparative costs, reliability and operational performance of hydrogen fuel-cell buses compared with battery-electric buses; what analysis has been undertaken of hydrogen fuel supply risks and infrastructure costs; and what role the Government expects each technology to play in the future decarbonisation of bus fleets.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Buses are procured directly by bus operators or local transport authorities (LTAs) who would make an assessment on the type of zero emission bus (ZEB) to purchase and deploy. The Government’s approach to ZEB competitions has been technology neutral. LTAs have been able to apply for funding for both battery electric buses and hydrogen fuel cell buses.

However, in ZEBRA 2, LTAs and bus operators demonstrated a clear preference for battery electric buses, which they have calculated are significantly more cost-effective than hydrogen at this time.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what the projected levels of total public expenditure are expected to be in (a) 2026-2027, (b) 2027-2028, (c) 2028-2029, (d) 2029-2030 and (d) 2030-2031 financial years; which areas of public spending are expected to see the largest increases over the forecast period; and what steps her Department intends to take to manage spending pressures within departmental budgets.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The OBR’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook – published on the OBR’s website - sets out in detail the projected levels of total public expenditure over the next five years.

The government's public spending approach is fair, disciplined and controlled, helping to reduce borrowing and keep public finances on a sustainable path.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that major regional transport infrastructure projects are delivered on schedule and within budget; what oversight mechanisms exist for monitoring project delivery; and what lessons have been learned from delays to major urban transport schemes.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that delivery of large infrastructure projects is underpinned by prudent spending, taxpayer value for money, and efficiency. Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) and Mayoral Combined Authorities are primarily responsible for delivering major regional transport infrastructure projects using devolved funding. The Department maintains oversight through established governance and assurance processes, including reporting on progress, risks, costs and delivery performance.

For the largest and most complex projects the Department retains investment decision-making and works closely with the LTAs to bring projects forward and monitor progress. The Department also provides funding to support LTA capacity and capability to develop and deliver schemes. In addition, the department continues to apply lessons from previous major urban transport schemes, including strengthening project governance, improving risk management, and ensuring clearer sequencing and accountability throughout delivery - to inform both current schemes and the design of future programmes.

The Department also published the James Stewart Review (June 2025), which identified lessons from delivery challenges, including delays to complex schemes. All recommendations have been accepted and are being implemented across the Department’s portfolio to improve consistency and delivery performance. The Department for Transport is using key findings to strengthen oversight of major transport infrastructure delivery, with a focus on improving cost estimation, scheduling, governance, assurance, and commercial delivery.