Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 30 December 2022 to Question 97595, what was the total value of non-cash vouchers awarded to staff working for her core Department as performance-related bonuses in 2022-23.

Bonuses paid out as non-cash vouchers is a standard practice across Government.

Attracting, retaining and motivating highly skilled individuals is essential for the Civil Service to deliver for the British people. This is why pay must be fair and competitive as well as affordable to the taxpayer. Performance-related bonuses and vouchers are a key part of this.

The Edenred contract came into effect in 2017 which allows departments access to non-cash vouchers for staff.

The total value of non-cash vouchers awarded to staff working for the core Department as performance-related bonuses in the 2022-23 financial year is £716,250.