Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Answer of 19 May 2026 to Question 754 on Immigration: Personal Income, whether her Department conducted a cost-benefit analysis of the salary thresholds referred to in that answer.

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. Contributions will now be analysed, and the findings will support the development of the final model.

As mentioned in my previous response, the earnings thresholds have been selected as they equate to the current thresholds for payment of Income Tax in England at the higher and additional rate respectively. As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.

We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development and deliverability of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.

Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.