17 Dec 2024·Treasury·Answered
AskedWhat steps she has taken to support people who have experienced long-term (a) financial difficulties and (b) mental health challenges as a result of not qualifying for financial support schemes during the COVID-19 p
ReplyThe Government is working to support people and improve living standards for everyone across the country. As part of this, the Government committed to making no increase in employee National Insurance, Income Tax or VAT as we want to keep taxes as low as ...
17 Dec 2024·Department for Work and Pensions·Answered
AskedWhat steps she is taking to (a) tackle discrimination and (b) enhance inclusion policies for neurodiverse people in the workforce in Surrey.
ReplyNeurodivergent people bring many positive benefits to businesses but can face stigma and disadvantage. We understand the importance of tackling discrimination and encouraging employers to adopt neuro-inclusive working practices so that everyone can thrive...
17 Dec 2024·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of(a) the utilisation of psilocybin-based treatments for mental health conditions and (b) commissioning further research into the therapeu
ReplyThe Department recognises that the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies, such as psilocybin, to treat mental illness is gaining attention both within the medical and scientific communities, as well as across the public more broadly. However, there ...
17 Dec 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to improve the awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning risks among British tourists overseas.
ReplyWe provide information and guidance in our Travel Advice on the issues most likely to be of relevance to British nationals visiting or living in each country/territory. In determining what we include in our Travel Advice we assess a range of factors, incl...
17 Dec 2024·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·Answered
AskedFood and Rural Affairs, what specific steps he is taking to (a) monitor and (b) mitigate the environmental impact of sewage spills on (i) waterways and (ii) broader ecosystems.
ReplyFrom 1 January 2025, water companies will be required to publish data related to discharges from all storm overflows within one hour of the discharge beginning (under section 141DA of the Water Industry Act 1991 as inserted by section 81 of the Environmen...
17 Dec 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of integrating carbon monoxide risks into country-based travel advisories.
ReplyForeign, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) travel advice remains under regular review to ensure it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British nationals. The risks of carbon monoxide poisoning is currently covered in our Travel Advice pages for C...
2 Dec 2024·Treasury·Answered
AskedWhether the review into the loan charge will include examining the roles of (a) scheme promoters, (b) umbrella companies and (c) tax advisers.
ReplyAt Autumn Budget 2024, the Government committed to an independent review of the Loan Charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers. Further details about the review will be set out in due course.
2 Dec 2024·Treasury·Answered
AskedWhat steps she is taking to ensure the independence of the new review on the loan charge.
ReplyThe Government is committed to an independent review of the Loan Charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers. Further details will be set out in due course.
2 Dec 2024·Treasury·Answered
AskedWhat assessment she has made of the potential impact of abolishing the furnished holiday let tax regime on local (a) economies and (b) jobs.
ReplyThe Government will abolish the Furnished Holiday Lets (FHLs) tax regime from April 2025. This will equalise the tax treatment of FHL and non-FHL landlords’ income and gains.The Government wants to support the visitor economy alongside housing for longer-...
2 Dec 2024·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedIf he will make an assessment of the potential merits of cooperative energy models.
ReplyThe Government recognises the role community groups and cooperatives play in our efforts to tackle climate change. Great British Energy’s Local Power Plan will enhance existing support Community Energy Groups to roll out renewable energy projects and deve...
2 Dec 2024·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedIf she will take steps to (a) tackle the use of (i) bots and (ii) third-party resellers on the DVSA booking system and (b) ensure equitable access to driving tests.
ReplyTo ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests, very often at significant profit. DVSA deploys enhanced...
29 Nov 2024·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedIf she will make an assessment of the adequacy of measures to (a) educate drivers on sharing roads with cyclists and (b) foster a safe environment for all road users.
ReplyIn January 2022, The Highway Code was updated to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses. The changes aim to initiate a positive shift in road user behaviour by making road users aware of their responsibility to use roads safely ...
29 Nov 2024·Department for Transport·Answered
AskedWhat steps she is taking to ensure that medically unfit drivers are (a) identified and (b) reported effectively.
ReplyThe law requires all driving licence holders to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any medical condition that could affect their fitness to drive and failure to do so is an offence. When a driver declares a medical condition to the D...
28 Nov 2024·Home Office·Answered
AskedWhat steps her Department is taking to help tackle (a) anti-social behaviour and (b) theft in market towns across Surrey.
ReplyTackling anti-social behaviour, theft and other crimes affecting local communities are a top priorities for this Government, and represent a key part of our Safter Streets Mission.The Government recently announced Respect Orders, which will be introduced ...
27 Nov 2024·Treasury·Answered
AskedIf she will make an assessment of the potential impact on bicycle sales of the removal of VAT on (a) pedal and (b) electric bicycle.
ReplyVAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. One of the key considerat...
26 Nov 2024·Northern Ireland Office·Answered
AskedWith reference to the Written Statement of 29 July 2024 on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, HCWS30, what steps he plans to take to consult stakeholders on proposals rel
ReplyAs part of my commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, I am undertaking a wide range of engagements, consulting with interested parties, including victims and survivors, veterans, statutory bodies, Northern Ireland political parties, and wider civ...
26 Nov 2024·Northern Ireland Office·Answered
AskedWith reference to the judgment in Summary of judgment - In re Dillon and others - NI Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 - CA, whether he plans to repeal Section 44 of the Northern Ireland Trou
ReplyThe Government remains committed to repealing and replacing the Legacy Act. In my statement to the House on 29 July, I made clear my commitment to propose measures to allow inquests previously halted under Section 44 of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Lega...
26 Nov 2024·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of reduced access to GP services on waiting times in Accident and Emergency departments.
ReplyThe Department recognises that where the capacity of general practice (GP) services is not meeting patient demand, this can lead to some patients seeking advice and care in alternative settings, such as accident and emergency. We have already committed to...
26 Nov 2024·Department for Culture, Media and Sport·Answered
AskedMedia and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed increase in employers' National Insurance contributions on not-for-profit organisations.
ReplyAt the recent Budget, the government took a number of difficult decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to fix the foundations on public finances, fund public services, and restore economic stability.Ministers have met with representatives from the volunt...
19 Nov 2024·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help ensure international climate finance reaches the (a) children and (b) communities most vulnerable to climate change.
ReplyOur international climate finance continues to prioritise support to the most vulnerable communities who are experiencing the worst impacts of climate change, including children. For example, we will triple our funding for adaptation from £500 million in ...