Zöe Franklin

GOV.UK One Login’s delivery is tightly governed through departmental controls, HM Treasury oversight and independent assurance by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) as part of the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP). GOV.UK One Login is also certified under the UK Digital Verification Services Trust Framework.

The Government does not routinely publish audit reports, as these contain sensitive information relating to the security and operation of government systems.

Government has made no assessment of automatic compensation for mobile network customers. Ofcom, the independent telecoms regulator, has statutory duties to protect the interests of telecoms consumers and has powers to set rules that communications providers must follow. The Government continues to engage with Ofcom and industry on service quality and consumer protections. Ofcom has introduced a range of measures to protect mobile customers, including rules on switching, contract transparency and protections against mobile messaging scams, while keeping consumer safeguards under review.

Ofcom, as the independent regulator, has acted to make telecoms complaints faster and fairer. Following review in April 2026, Ofcom concluded consumers should not have to wait eight weeks before accessing Alternative Dispute Resolution and reduced the timeframe to six weeks. Government supports proportionate action that helps consumers resolve issues sooner and get fair outcomes.

Interfaith relations are vital for strong, cohesive communities.

That is why the Government funded Inter Faith Week last year and then commissioned a consultation on its future.

The consultation report was published in May and provides a strong evidence base for future planning and co-ordination of interfaith relations.

Government is currently finalising support for Inter Faith Week 2025.

Alongside this, MHCLG funds grassroots programmes such as Near Neighbours and Schools Linking which promote dialogue and understanding across communities.

Where victims feel dissatisfied with the service provided by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), they can submit a complaint through the CPS complaints procedure. The CPS operates a three stage complaints procedure where complaints relate to the standard of service provided by the CPS. In these cases, the final stage of the complaints process is referral to the Independent Assessor of Complaints (IAC). If the complaint is upheld, the CPS will apologise, and attempt to put the matter right wherever possible, as well as take steps to ensure that it does not happen again. In exceptional cases, where there has been an error on their part and there is clear evidence of uninsured material loss or severe distress caused by maladministration or poor service, a modest consolatory payment may be offered. Following an IAC review, victims who believe the CPS has failed to meet its obligations under the Victims’ Code may ask their MP to refer their complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, which can consider whether any further investigation or redress is required.

Tackling delays in the criminal justice system is an important part of delivering the swift justice that victims and witnesses deserve and improving confidence in the criminal justice system. The CPS is working with criminal justice system partners to reduce inefficiency and avoidable delay in case preparation. On 1 October 2026, a new Practice Direction on Listing in the Criminal Courts came into effect. This requires courts to convene a Case Progression meeting in the third week before a trial is listed, of which the CPS will attend. This aims to ensure issues requiring operational and judicial resolution are addressed early. The CPS is also taking action to improve its service to victims through its Victims Programme.

In 2023-24, in the Surrey police force area, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecuted 487 cases flagged for domestic abuse and 41 cases flagged for rape.

The CPS uses thematic monitoring flags to track progress and performance surrounding certain types of cases within its case management system (CMS). "Flags " are identified and applied by lawyers and administrative staff. Monitoring flags currently exist within CMS for the following VAWG-related offences: rape; domestic abuse; so-called honour abuse / violence; forced marriage; and child abuse.

These figures for 2023-24 represent an increase from 434 and 30 in 2022-23, respectively.

The CPS has already produced a new operating model for the prosecution of rape based on robust evidence from Operation Soteria and launched the Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan with policing in November 2024. The early results of improvements in partnership working with policing under the plan have already led to modest initial increases in domestic abuse referrals, setting a strong foundation for future improvements.

In September 2024, the CPS prosecuted the third conviction for female genital mutilation (FGM) and the first conviction of conspiring to commit FGM in England and Wales. This marks a significant milestone and demonstrates the growing effectiveness of prosecuting these cases.

However, more can be done to increase prosecution rates for VAWG, in Surrey and across the country. This Government’s ambition is to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, as part of our Safer Streets Mission, and delivering effective prosecutions is a key part of this.

To address the increasing complexity of VAWG offending, and holistic needs of victims, the CPS is producing a new VAWG strategy which will be published in spring 2025.

We have no current plans for additional regulation for hairdressers and barbers but remain open to evidence. The Hairdressers Registration Act 1964 provides for a UK register of qualified hairdressers and barbers, through voluntary registration. Businesses are subject to a range of existing requirements, including health and safety and consumer protection legislation. As the Minister responsible for this industry, my officials and I regularly engage the Hair and Barber Council to discuss these matters, including through the Personal Care Services roundtables which I chair.

We understand the challenge that high industrial electricity prices present to businesses, and we are standing firm alongside industry to provide robust support.

Those ineligible for BICS may be eligible for the British Industry Supercharger which supports around 600 of the most electricity-intensive businesses by exempting them from paying the indirect costs of the Contracts for Difference, Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market, and compensates them for network charges.

The Government's clean power mission aims to achieve a zero-carbon power system by 2030 to secure domestic energy supplies, lower household and business bills, and drive economic growth.

The Government recognises the increased risk of wildfires during periods of hot, dry weather and continues to keep these risks under review. During periods of elevated risk, those organising firework displays should follow advice from Government and local fire and rescue services, take account of local conditions, and undertake appropriate risk assessments. The Government will continue to monitor wildfire risks and consider whether any further action relating to the supply or use of fireworks is required.

We have no current plans for additional regulation for hairdressers and barbers, but we remain open to evidence. The Hairdressers Registration Act 1964 provides for a UK register of qualified hairdressers and barbers, although registration remains voluntary. Hairdressing salons and barbers are subject to a range of existing requirements, including health and safety and consumer protection legislation. It is important to take an evidence-based approach when making decisions, and the introduction of additional regulation would need to be carefully considered.

I met with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Executive Chair, Professor Michele Dougherty, in August to discuss the council’s strategic programmes and infrastructure investments, and have engaged with the UKRI Chief Executive, Sir Ian Chapman, on several occasions. UK Research and Innovation and the STFC undertook a structured assessment of the impacts of different funding options across STFC's portfolio. Jodrell Bank will continue to host world-leading scientific research led by the University of Manchester, alongside serving as the headquarters for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory. Jodrell Bank also remains an important centre for science engagement and outreach, with no impact on the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, which welcomes thousands of visitors, including school pupils, each year, helping to inspire the next generation.

The Government has worked closely with non-domestic energy suppliers on the design and implementation of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. Engagement has included regular workshops, webinars and two formal consultations.

'The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has worked closely with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade on the design and implementation of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. Engagement with non-domestic energy suppliers has included regular workshops, webinars and two formal consultations'.

There are multiple targeted schemes to deliver energy efficiency measures to low-income and fuel poor households. The Warm Home Discount schemes also provide a £150 rebate off bills to eligible low-income households across Great Britain.

The Government has kickstarted delivery of the Warm Homes Plan, including an initial £1.8 billion to support fuel poverty schemes over the next 3 years.

We will consult shortly on proposals for privately rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030. We are also reviewing the 2021 fuel poverty strategy.

The Government has dual ambitions of delivering 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament and achieving clean power by 2030. These objectives are not mutually exclusive, and with good planning and smart design we can build the high quality, low carbon homes we need.

The Future Homes and Buildings Standards consultation was published in December 2023 and closed in March 2024 under the previous Government. We fully support the need for low carbon homes, fit for a net zero future. We are reviewing proposals and feedback from the Future Homes and Building Standards consultation and will publish the Government Response in due course.

The government is committed to building a digitally skilled workforce to support long-term economic growth, drive innovation and expand individual opportunity. As part of this ambition, DSIT has launched the AI Skills Boost campaign to upskill 10 million workers in AI skills by 2030, and our industry partners deliver these courses at no cost to government. Since June 2025, this initiative has delivered more than 1 million free AI training courses to workers across the UK, and the Government continues to track delivery.

The government runs monitoring & evaluation for all government-funded AI training courses to track participation and assess the delivery and impact of funded programmes. This includes the AI and Data Science Conversion Courses, the Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot, and several digital apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps that offer AI-related training courses. Given the nascency of the sector, monitoring and evaluation of most of these programmes is currently ongoing. Data on participation and completion rates for these apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps can be found on the Explore Education Statistics GOV.UK Service.

The government is committed to building a digitally skilled workforce to support long-term economic growth, drive innovation and expand individual opportunity. As part of this ambition, DSIT has launched the AI Skills Boost campaign to upskill 10 million workers in AI skills by 2030, and our industry partners deliver these courses at no cost to government. Since June 2025, this initiative has delivered more than 1 million free AI training courses to workers across the UK, and the Government continues to track delivery.

The government runs monitoring & evaluation for all government-funded AI training courses to track participation and assess the delivery and impact of funded programmes. This includes the AI and Data Science Conversion Courses, the Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot, and several digital apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps that offer AI-related training courses. Given the nascency of the sector, monitoring and evaluation of most of these programmes is currently ongoing. Data on participation and completion rates for these apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps can be found on the Explore Education Statistics GOV.UK Service.

The government is committed to building a digitally skilled workforce to support long-term economic growth, drive innovation and expand individual opportunity. As part of this ambition, DSIT has launched the AI Skills Boost campaign to upskill 10 million workers in AI skills by 2030, and our industry partners deliver these courses at no cost to government. Since June 2025, this initiative has delivered more than 1 million free AI training courses to workers across the UK, and the Government continues to track delivery.

The government runs monitoring & evaluation for all government-funded AI training courses to track participation and assess the delivery and impact of funded programmes. This includes the AI and Data Science Conversion Courses, the Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot, and several digital apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps that offer AI-related training courses. Given the nascency of the sector, monitoring and evaluation of most of these programmes is currently ongoing. Data on participation and completion rates for these apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps can be found on the Explore Education Statistics GOV.UK Service.

Ofcom’s online safety budget and expert team ensure its duties can be performed effectively. Ofcom has spent approximately £281.3 million on online safety since 2020, including a projected spend of £92 million for 2025/26.

The Online Safety Act provides Ofcom with a range of enforcement powers, including business disruption measures, which can include fast tracked interim service restriction orders or access restriction orders, where necessary. These measures are sanctions of last resort, available where serious non‑compliance persists.

The Secretary of State has written to Ofcom to underline the Government’s full support for the regulator using all the powers Parliament has provided it.

Ofcom is independent, and early enforcement activity is already helping to prevent and address illegal content online.

The Secretary of State has been clear Ofcom has full backing to use its enforcement powers and welcomes its investigation into extremely harmful suicide forums.

Ofcom’s provisional decision published on 27 February is clear that unless its concerns are fully addressed, it will consider using all of the powers available to it, including, in most serious cases of non-compliance, imposing business disruption measures.

One of the first things the Secretary of State did in the job was to make self-harm a priority offence under the Online Safet Act, triggering the strongest possible legal protections. She has been clear she will not hesitate to go further if needed and regularly talks to Ofcom about ensuring enforcement is strong.

As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government is committed to supporting the growth of the UK video games sector. In April this year we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, doubling funding to invest in UK games businesses, create new opportunities and develop future talent.

Under competition law, responsibility for investigating the impact of mergers and acquisitions on competition falls to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK’s independent competition authority sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade. The Government has ensured that the CMA has significant powers and expertise to investigate the benefits and risks of mergers in relation to competition, including those that may impact the video games sector.

We welcome the publication of UK Music's landmark Black Music Means Business report, which highlights that Black music is a central commercial engine of the sector but rightly notes that equity and career progression have not kept pace.

We will soon launch a Music Plan which draws together all that the government is doing to make the UK the best place in the world to create, play and invest in music. This includes our commitment to launch a Music Growth Package of £30 million over three years from 2026 - we will ensure this investment is deployed effectively to support diverse creative enterprises, close opportunity gaps, and ensure that our world-leading music infrastructure remains fair, inclusive, and globally competitive.

The BBC continues to hold a uniquely important role as a cornerstone of the whole of the UK’s creative economy, including playing an important role in the provision of music.

As part of the Charter Review process, the Government is looking at how the BBC can best use its significant public funding to act differently to other broadcasters and prioritise genres and activities that would otherwise be underserved by the market. We are also considering options to ensure that the BBC drives opportunities and good jobs across the UK, including in the creative sector and the arts.

More widely, the government remains committed to supporting a flourishing music industry. We will soon launch a £30 million Music Growth Package (2026-29) and publish a Music Plan, drawing together all that the government is doing to support the music industry - including the BBC's crucial contributions - to make the UK the best place in the world to create, play and invest in music.

The BBC continues to hold a uniquely important role as a cornerstone of the whole of the UK’s creative economy, including playing an important role in the provision of music.

As part of the Charter Review process, the Government is looking at how the BBC can best use its significant public funding to act differently to other broadcasters and prioritise genres and activities that would otherwise be underserved by the market. We are also considering options to ensure that the BBC drives opportunities and good jobs across the UK, including in the creative sector and the arts.

More widely, the government remains committed to supporting a flourishing music industry. We will soon launch a £30 million Music Growth Package (2026-29) and publish a Music Plan, drawing together all that the government is doing to support the music industry - including the BBC's crucial contributions - to make the UK the best place in the world to create, play and invest in music.

There is no specific legislation setting limits for the audience exposure to noise and the Government has no plans to legislate further in this area at present. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides advice for when noise levels are expected to exceed certain levels and recommends that audiences are advised of this in advance of the event either on tickets, advertising for the event, or on notices at entry points. HSE is in the process of updating its operational guidance for Local Authority health and safety enforcement teams for noise in music and entertainment venues.

Local authorities have responsibility for enforcing noise levels to ensure events are appropriately managed and have minimal adverse impact on the community and those attending. Large scale events such as festivals will often present an Event Safety Management Plan that is reviewed by the local authority as part of the licensing process. The local authority will also place conditions on an event’s Premises Licence in relation to maximum noise levels, timings and durations. Complaints about specific events or venues can be raised with the organiser directly and/or raised with the relevant local authority.

The rollout of the expanded entitlements for childcare support means we are delivering more support to families than ever before and transforming the cost of childcare. Eligible working parents of children from nine months old are now able to access 30 hours a week and save an average of £8,000 a year per child.

The department aims to provide a continued provision for all families to access the high quality, affordable and flexible early education and care that makes a difference to children’s outcomes. This will help alleviate the cost of living and support parents to work.

We know the current system is confusing to navigate both for parents and providers. The Early Education and Childcare Review is working to review options to make the system simpler and fairer for every family. As part of this initiative, we are considering a wide range of evidence and ideas from across government, stakeholders and external organisations.

The rollout of the expanded entitlements for childcare support means we are delivering more support to families than ever before and transforming the cost of childcare. Eligible working parents of children from nine months old are now able to access 30 hours a week and save an average of £8,000 a year per child.

The department aims to provide a continued provision for all families to access the high quality, affordable and flexible early education and care that makes a difference to children’s outcomes. This will help alleviate the cost of living and support parents to work.

We know the current system is confusing to navigate both for parents and providers. The Early Education and Childcare Review is working to review options to make the system simpler and fairer for every family. As part of this initiative, we are considering a wide range of evidence and ideas from across government, stakeholders and external organisations.

The two technical errors relating to plan 2 affected 71,000 customers as the interest was not calculated accurately based on their level of earnings. The errors meant 41,000 customers were not charged enough interest and 30,000 customers were charged too much interest. ​

​Accounts have now been corrected, meaning that 41,000 customers have an increased balance and 30,000 customers have seen their balance decrease. Customers who had their accounts adjusted will see no change to their monthly payments, as these are based on an individual’s salary rather than the amount owed. ​Of the 30,000 accounts who will see their balance decrease, over 3,000 customers (who have paid off their loans) will see a refund. Those who have already paid off their loan in full will not have to start repaying again.​

It is for local authorities to determine the transport and travel support necessary to enable young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to participate in education or training. Local authorities must publish an annual post-16 policy statement setting out these arrangements.

The department recognises that transport costs can be a significant concern for families and local authorities should clearly explain the support they provide, how decisions are made and the routes for applications, complaints and appeals.

Through the government’s SEND reforms, the department’s target is for more children and young people to have their needs met through high-quality, inclusive provision closer to home. Improving the availability and consistency of local provision should enable more young people with SEND to access suitable education locally, thereby reducing the need for some to travel longer distances and incurring additional costs.

The department recognises the importance of ensuring that transport arrangements enable young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to access education and training.

Local authorities are responsible for determining what post-16 transport and financial support is necessary and must have regard to the department’s statutory guidance. In doing so, councils must act reasonably, consider all relevant matters and specifically consider the needs of young people with SEND.

Local authority transport policy statements must clearly explain how a young person or parent can appeal if they disagree with a transport decision, as well as the further avenues of complaint available if they remain dissatisfied after the local process has been completed.

The department undertakes annual compliance checks of local authority transport policy statements and keeps the statutory guidance under review. The department has not undertaken a specific assessment of the consistency or adequacy of arrangements made by local authorities for collecting and considering evidence of financial hardship.