Written questions by Lake.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential cost savings to public services resulting from investment in independent social welfare advice services.

The Government recognises the important role that independent advice services play in supporting individuals.For example, DWP provide grant funding to Citizens Advice, who deliver Help to Claim support for customers to apply for Universal Credit. Help to Claim reduces the number of Universal Credit benefit queries DWP receive and enables work coaches to focus on work related activities.In addition, the Money and Pensions Service, which is sponsored by DWP, continues to provide impartial, free money and pensions guidance directly to consumers.DWP assesses the impacts from its investments, including public services efficiencies, in line with standard Treasury guidance.

What recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the availability of civil legal aid providers in rural areas; and what steps she is taking to help reduce gaps in legal aid provision.

It is vital that those who need legal aid – some of the most vulnerable people in our society – can access it wherever they happen to live.The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is responsible for commissioning legal aid services in England and Wales. The LAA monitors the numbers of providers in each procurement area and across all categories of law. It takes operational action where it can, to respond to market pressures that may arise and works closely with the Ministry of Justice on policy solutions concerning the supply of legal aid.The Ministry of Justice has recently concluded a consultation on uplifts to housing & debt and immigration & asylum legal aid fees, which, once fully implemented, would inject an additional £20 million into the sector each year.The Department is also providing over £6 million of legal support grant funding up to March 2026 to deliver free legal support and advice for people with social welfare legal problems. This includes the ‘Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support’ grant, which supports the work of organisations across England and Wales to sustain and improve access to early legal support and advice, including support at court. It also includes the ‘Online Support and AdviceGrant’, which ensures the provision of online support across a range of civil, family and tribunal problems via one service (Advicenow). The Advicenow website includes information about how to get legal aid in relevant areas of law and signposts users to further information and support.

What discussions her Department has had with disabled people’s organisations in Wales on the proposed reforms to disability benefits.

As part of our commitment to hear from members of the public directly, including disabled people and their representatives, we have now held a number of virtual and in person public consultation events, as per the advertised schedule on GOV.UK. Unfortunately, the Cardiff in person event was postponed from 3 June to 23 June, due to the venue cancelling last minute. We have worked with the Welsh Government to rearrange this event and have reached out to all registered participants directly, including registered members of the public and registered representatives from Welsh charities and other organisations, to rebook their place on a re-scheduled Cardiff event, also offering a priority space on other virtual events. A Wales-only virtual consultation event has now also been arranged and scheduled for 26 June. Throughout the consultation we are committed to putting the views and voices of disabled people and people with health conditions at the heart of everything we do. We encourage members of the public, including disabled people’s organisations in Wales, to continue to respond to the consultation online, in writing and via email until the deadline on 30 June. In the meantime, DWP Ministers continue to engage with individuals and groups in Wales. On 22 April, the Minister for Employment visited Denbighshire in North Wales to announce the launch of the Inactivity Trailblazer, as part of wider efforts to tackle inactivity - with funding from the £125m (in for 2025/26) announced in the Get Britain Working White Paper being designated to this area. The Minister for Employment also visited Mold Jobcentre during this visit to Wales.

Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment she has made of the value for money of new jobs created by Special Economic Zones in Wales.

Government applies rigorous value for money assessment during the development of policy, including in relation to the creation of special economic zones. Welsh Freeports and Investment Zones are required to demonstrate value for money before their proposals are approved. Appraisals are carried out in collaboration with the Welsh Government and consider both direct jobs created and wider economic benefits against the costs of the policy interventions, ensuring that public resources are used effectively to deliver the government's growth mission.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to the UN Security Council to (a) give the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara the legal mandate to (i) monitor and (ii) report on human rights in the territories controlled by the (A) Kingdom of Morocco and (B) Frente Polisario and (b) for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara to report the findings to the UN Security Council.

The UK believes there is an urgent need to resolve this long-held dispute. That is why the Foreign Secretary announced on 1 June that Morocco's autonomy proposal is the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. To this end, we are working with stakeholders to support the UN-led process and encourage dialogue and compromise, with the aim of achieving a peaceful resolution that upholds the dignity and rights of the people of Western Sahara and contributes to long-term regional stability. We will continue to work closely with the UN Personal Envoy of the Secretary General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, to ensure that, in the instance of any settlement, the rights and freedoms of the Sahrawi people are adequately protected in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with his Moroccan counterpart on the expulsion of journalists (a) Matteo Garavoglia and (b) Giovanni Culmone from El Aaiun on 27 April 2025.

We have had no such discussions regarding these two individuals. Human rights forms part of our regular bilateral dialogue with Morocco. During the second UK-Morocco Informal Dialogue on Human Rights, held in Rabat on 30 April 2024, we discussed areas of mutual interest, including freedom of expression, empowerment of women, media freedom, and judicial reforms.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to the UN Security Council to send a fact-finding mission to investigate the human rights of Saharawis in (a) occupied Western Sahara and (b) prisons in Morocco.

On 1 June, the Foreign Secretary endorsed Morocco's autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the Western Sahara conflict. The UK is continuing to coordinate closely with the UN Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara to support the UN-led process aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict. We hope and intend to work together with stakeholders to encourage dialogue and compromise, with the aim of achieving a peaceful resolution that upholds the dignity and rights of the people of Western Sahara and contributes to long-term regional stability. The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, including in Western Sahara and the Tindouf refugee camps.

Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking with (a) scientists, (b) industry and (c) civil society to phase out testing on animals.

The Labour Manifesto includes a commitment to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”. Work to support this transition must be science-led and in lock step with partners and the government has been consulting scientists, industry and civil society as this process unfolds.The government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year and has engaged with scientists, industry and civil society to draft this strategy.

What estimate she has made of the potential financial savings to the Exchequer of (a) withdrawing the postponed VAT accounting process and (b) bringing forward payment of VAT on imports using the same facilities as apply to customs duties.

Postponed VAT accounting is an established and valued part of the UK’s VAT regime, which provides significant simplification and cashflow benefits to UK businesses who import goods from overseas. Unlike customs duty, VAT paid upon importation of goods is typically able to be reclaimed where the goods are sold on or used in the course of business. Postponed VAT accounting allows businesses to account for and reclaim the VAT on the same VAT return, thereby producing a nil result, rather than paying VAT on import and reclaiming it on a future VAT return. Postponed VAT accounting does not change the overall VAT liability on any imported goods.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of not increasing the personal allowance on levels of disposable income in Wales.

The Government is committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible while ensuring fiscal responsibility. At our first Budget, we decided not to extend the freeze on personal tax thresholds which was implemented by the previous Government. The OBR’s forecast does not decompose policy impacts on Real Household Disposable Income (RHDI) per capita by individual policies or by country. Accounting for the total impact of Budget measures on a UK basis, the OBR forecast RHDI per capita to rise at an annual average rate of 0.5% per year over the parliament.

What discussions her Department has had with the Welsh Government on the potential impact of the situation in Kashmir on (a) policing and (b) community relations in Wales.

The Home Office has been sharing up to date information with Welsh partners on emerging risks and issues in relation to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in India-administered Kashmir and will continue to work with those partners to monitor any local reactions and tensions.Whilst community cohesion is a devolved area, officials from the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government also continue to support the Devolved Governments in best practice for monitoring and alleviating any community tensions.

How many times HMRC's Statutory Payment Consultation Group convened in each of the past 5 years.

The Statutory Payments Consultation Group convened as follows:2020 – once2021 – once2022 – once2023 – not held2024 - once

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on release of the investment reserve of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme to uplift pensions.

The Chancellor meets regularly with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to discuss a range of issues. The Government is considering proposals put forward by the BCSSS Trustees and needs to understand their impacts for both scheme members and the Government, in the same way as we are doing for the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme. The Government and BCSSS Trustees are working together to jointly commission analysis so that we can gain that understanding and work towards reaching agreement on a way forward.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of allocating a portion of the financial penalties collected by the Financial Conduct Authority to fund financial redress to people affected by the collapse of Football Index and BetIndex Limited.

The government recognises the significant impact the collapse of BetIndex Ltd had on former customers. Revenue from FCA fines is used to benefit the taxpaying public. First, the FCA deducts the costs of enforcement from its fine income. Any money left over is passed to the Treasury in accordance with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The Treasury must surrender it to the Consolidated Fund and is then part of the Government’s total revenues, used to pay for all Government spending on public services like hospitals, hospices, and other crucial services. The Government has no plans to change this approach. The previous Government concluded that it would not be appropriate for the Government to use public funds to provide compensation for those who had lost money through the collapse of Football Index and BetIndex. Whilst the Government strongly sympathises with all who were impacted, we do not think this decision should be reopened.

What steps he is taking to help support the owners of (a) short and (b) long term holiday lets to improve the energy efficiency rating of their properties in Wales.

The Warm Homes Plan will help people find ways to save money on energy bills and transform our ageing building stock into comfortable, low-carbon homes that are fit for the future. We will partner with combined authorities and local and devolved governments to roll out this plan. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides grants to property owners, including holiday lets, to enable them to transition away from fossil fuel to low carbon heating. Advice for energy efficiency support in Wales is available at: https://www.gov.wales/home-energy-fuel-poverty Further details on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will hold discussions with (a) the UN Security Council and (b) his Moroccan counterpart on ensuring access to the occupied territory of Western Sahara by (a) the media and (b) humanitarian NGOs.

The UK has supported language in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions that encourages the parties to continue their efforts to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in Western Sahara, including the freedoms of expression and association. Officials, including up to ambassador level, also engage on these issues with the Moroccan Government and authorities. The UK continues to regularly meet and consult regional and international partners to discuss the issue of Western Sahara, including those from the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the UN, civil society, and the broader international community.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April to Question 42840 on Western Sahara: Human Rights, what discussions he has had with the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General on Western Sahara on the adequacy of the number investigations undertaken by the Moroccan National Human Rights Council following allegations of human rights abuses in Western Sahara since 2015.

The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, including in Morocco and Western Sahara, and consistently urges all states to uphold international law and international human rights standards, avoiding any action that may endanger human life. The UK engages regularly with Staffan de Mistura, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Western Sahara, most recently at senior official level on 1 April. The Minister for Africa last met with him in September 2024.

Whether her Department plans to carry out an impact assessment on the consequences of proposals detailed in the Health and Disability Green Paper that have not been included within the formal consultation process.

Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper will be published in due course, and some information was published alongside the Spring Statement. These publications can be found in ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper’.A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months.

What recent estimate she has made of the (a) backlog of cases and (b) average time taken by the Valuation Office Agency’s to process applications to transfer short-term rental properties between business rates and council tax; and what steps she is taking to help improve performance.

The Government has announced that the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will be integrated into HMRC by April 2026. Moving the VOA’s functions into HMRC will increase oversight and accountability to Ministers over delivery of their priorities to modernise the tax system and improve the experience of taxpayers and businesses. On average, the VOA is clearing cases relating to self-catering properties in England and Wales within four months. Currently, the VOA is working as quickly as possible to clear any outstanding cases, focusing on the oldest cases first, and those where customers are facing financial hardship. More widely, it is replacing IT systems with modern cloud-based platforms that will deliver significant efficiencies across its work. It is also upskilling its workforce so they can handle multiple types of cases, and improving its digital services to make it easier for customers to self-serve.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of removing the surcharge for paying Vehicle Excise Duty in instalments for people with below average incomes.

In Autumn 2013, the Government announced the introduction of the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) direct debit scheme from 1 October 2014. Instead of paying VED annually or in two instalments per year with a 10% surcharge, this allows people to pay VED monthly or in two instalments per year via direct debit, with a 5% surcharge. This change therefore reduced the surcharge payable by half. These surcharges are in place to make up for the interest that the government loses on monthly and six monthly VED payments. When the VED direct debit scheme was announced in 2013, a Tax Information and Impact Note was published setting out the expected impacts on individuals. It was expected that the direct debit scheme would have a positive impact for individuals, as it would enable the spreading of VED payments at a lower surcharge rate than non-direct debit instalments, and help individuals and families plan manage their finances. The Tax Information and Impact Note also set out expected economic, equalities and other impacts of the changes, which can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a74c63ce5274a3f93b48b3e/vehicle-excise-dd.pdfAs with all taxes, the Government welcomes representations from the public on how the tax system can be improved. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of public finances.