Written questions by Stephenson.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of Autumn Budget 2024 on recent trends in the level of mortgage rates.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is the UK’s official forecaster of the economy and public finances. The OBR published its assessment of the UK economy, and the effect of policies announced at the 2024 Autumn Budget, in its October 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook.The OBR will publish its next assessment of the UK economy on 26 March 2025, as commissioned by the Chancellor.

If she will make an estimate of the number of taxpayers set to pay the additional rate of income tax in financial year 2025-26 compared with financial year 2024-25.

The information requested on the impact on taxpayer numbers as a result of threshold freezes is published as part of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The published table sets out the estimated numbers of taxpayers with and without indexation of the thresholds and the impact of the thresholds being frozen. This information is updated in the EFO in each fiscal event. An excerpt from Table 3.18 from the October 2024 EFO: 3.18 Effect of threshold freezes on additional taxpayers Million Forecast 2023-242024-252025-26Number of taxpayers With indexation34.134.335.1Without indexation36.237.638.6…brought into income tax2.23.33.5Number of higher-rate taxpayers With indexation4.74.44.5Without indexation6.16.67.0…brought into higher-rate band1.42.22.5Number of additional-rate taxpayers Previous £150,000 threshold0.70.70.8Aligned to the end of PA taper0.91.11.2…brought into additional-rate band0.30.40.4…brought into higher and additional rates1.62.62.9 As shown in the table, 3.5 million more individuals are expected to pay income tax in 2025-26 as a result of the threshold freezes. The number of Higher rate taxpayers is expected to increase from 6.6 million in 2024-25 to 7.0 million in 2025-26 (a rise of 0.4 million), and additional rate taxpayer numbers are expected to increase from 1.1 million to 1.2 million (a rise of 0.1 million). The full table is available as Table 3.18 in the detailed forecast of receipts: October 2024 Economic and fiscal outlook – detailed forecast tables: receipts (obr.uk) The latest ONS estimate for median earnings for 2023-24 is £31,602, and this can be projected using OBR’s average earnings growth forecasts, which gives an estimate of median earnings for 2024-25 of £33,035 and 2025-26 of £34,011. An individual with solely income from these earnings would expect to have total Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of £5,730 in 2024-25 and £6,003 in 2025-26. Individuals aged 21 and over earning minimum wage and working 35 hours per week would be expected to earn £20,821 and £22,222 in tax years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. These would result in Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of:£1,650 and £660 in 2024-25,£1,930 and £772 in 2025-26. Further information on the ONS data for median earnings can be found in their annual publication: 2024 provisional earnings and hours worked, all employees (ons.gov.uk) Earnings growth forecasts are published in the OBR’s forecast tables: October 2024 Detailed forecast tables: Economy (obr.uk)

If she will make an estimate of the number of taxpayers set to pay the higher rate of income tax in financial year 2025-26 compared with financial year 2024-25.

The information requested on the impact on taxpayer numbers as a result of threshold freezes is published as part of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The published table sets out the estimated numbers of taxpayers with and without indexation of the thresholds and the impact of the thresholds being frozen. This information is updated in the EFO in each fiscal event. An excerpt from Table 3.18 from the October 2024 EFO: 3.18 Effect of threshold freezes on additional taxpayers Million Forecast 2023-242024-252025-26Number of taxpayers With indexation34.134.335.1Without indexation36.237.638.6…brought into income tax2.23.33.5Number of higher-rate taxpayers With indexation4.74.44.5Without indexation6.16.67.0…brought into higher-rate band1.42.22.5Number of additional-rate taxpayers Previous £150,000 threshold0.70.70.8Aligned to the end of PA taper0.91.11.2…brought into additional-rate band0.30.40.4…brought into higher and additional rates1.62.62.9 As shown in the table, 3.5 million more individuals are expected to pay income tax in 2025-26 as a result of the threshold freezes. The number of Higher rate taxpayers is expected to increase from 6.6 million in 2024-25 to 7.0 million in 2025-26 (a rise of 0.4 million), and additional rate taxpayer numbers are expected to increase from 1.1 million to 1.2 million (a rise of 0.1 million). The full table is available as Table 3.18 in the detailed forecast of receipts: October 2024 Economic and fiscal outlook – detailed forecast tables: receipts (obr.uk) The latest ONS estimate for median earnings for 2023-24 is £31,602, and this can be projected using OBR’s average earnings growth forecasts, which gives an estimate of median earnings for 2024-25 of £33,035 and 2025-26 of £34,011. An individual with solely income from these earnings would expect to have total Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of £5,730 in 2024-25 and £6,003 in 2025-26. Individuals aged 21 and over earning minimum wage and working 35 hours per week would be expected to earn £20,821 and £22,222 in tax years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. These would result in Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of:£1,650 and £660 in 2024-25,£1,930 and £772 in 2025-26. Further information on the ONS data for median earnings can be found in their annual publication: 2024 provisional earnings and hours worked, all employees (ons.gov.uk) Earnings growth forecasts are published in the OBR’s forecast tables: October 2024 Detailed forecast tables: Economy (obr.uk)

If she will make an estimate of the average annual cost of a five year fixed rate mortgage (a) on the week commencing 21 October 2024 and (b) in January 2025.

The pricing and availability of mortgages is ultimately a commercial decision for lenders, in which the Government does not intervene. Changes in offered mortgage rates are broadly driven by changes in financial market expectations for Bank Rate.Monetary policy, including decisions on Bank Rate, is the responsibility of the independent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) at the Bank of England. The Government remains committed to monetary policy independence and supporting the MPC to return inflation to target sustainably, and does not comment on the conduct or effectiveness of monetary policy.External organisations, such as the Bank of England and Moneyfacts, track movements in offered mortgage rates.

If she will make an estimate of the number of additional individuals her Department expects to pay tax in financial year 2025-26 as a result of the freeze on income tax thresholds.

The information requested on the impact on taxpayer numbers as a result of threshold freezes is published as part of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The published table sets out the estimated numbers of taxpayers with and without indexation of the thresholds and the impact of the thresholds being frozen. This information is updated in the EFO in each fiscal event. An excerpt from Table 3.18 from the October 2024 EFO: 3.18 Effect of threshold freezes on additional taxpayers Million Forecast 2023-242024-252025-26Number of taxpayers With indexation34.134.335.1Without indexation36.237.638.6…brought into income tax2.23.33.5Number of higher-rate taxpayers With indexation4.74.44.5Without indexation6.16.67.0…brought into higher-rate band1.42.22.5Number of additional-rate taxpayers Previous £150,000 threshold0.70.70.8Aligned to the end of PA taper0.91.11.2…brought into additional-rate band0.30.40.4…brought into higher and additional rates1.62.62.9 As shown in the table, 3.5 million more individuals are expected to pay income tax in 2025-26 as a result of the threshold freezes. The number of Higher rate taxpayers is expected to increase from 6.6 million in 2024-25 to 7.0 million in 2025-26 (a rise of 0.4 million), and additional rate taxpayer numbers are expected to increase from 1.1 million to 1.2 million (a rise of 0.1 million). The full table is available as Table 3.18 in the detailed forecast of receipts: October 2024 Economic and fiscal outlook – detailed forecast tables: receipts (obr.uk) The latest ONS estimate for median earnings for 2023-24 is £31,602, and this can be projected using OBR’s average earnings growth forecasts, which gives an estimate of median earnings for 2024-25 of £33,035 and 2025-26 of £34,011. An individual with solely income from these earnings would expect to have total Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of £5,730 in 2024-25 and £6,003 in 2025-26. Individuals aged 21 and over earning minimum wage and working 35 hours per week would be expected to earn £20,821 and £22,222 in tax years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. These would result in Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of:£1,650 and £660 in 2024-25,£1,930 and £772 in 2025-26. Further information on the ONS data for median earnings can be found in their annual publication: 2024 provisional earnings and hours worked, all employees (ons.gov.uk) Earnings growth forecasts are published in the OBR’s forecast tables: October 2024 Detailed forecast tables: Economy (obr.uk)

Communities and Local Government, what engagement the New Towns Taskforce will have with hon. Members.

As set out in its Terms of Reference, which can be found on gov.uk here, the New Towns Taskforce will work in partnership with local leaders and communities, but its selection of sites will be made in the national interest.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an estimate of the total cost to the public purse of the work of the New Towns Taskforce.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 22561 on 27 January 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions the New Towns Taskforce has had with (a) Bedford Borough Council, (b) Central Bedfordshire Council and (c) Luton Borough Council.

As set out in its Terms of Reference, which can be found on gov.uk here, the New Towns Taskforce will work in partnership with local leaders and communities, but its selection of sites will be made in the national interest.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, how she plans to designate (a) smaller and (b) failing unitaries.

The English Devolution White Paper announced that we will facilitate a programme of local government reorganisation for two-tier areas, and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services.On 16 December, I wrote to all councils in two-tier areas and to neighbouring small unitaries alongside the English Devolution White Paper, to set out our plans. I intend to formally invite unitary proposals in January 2025 from these councils and I will ask for interim plans in March. I am open to hearing from other councils who consider reorganisation will put them on a more sustainable footing. As set out in the White Paper, I will take a phased approach to delivery, taking into account where reorganisation can unlock devolution, where areas are keen to move quickly or where it can help address wider failings.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, what her definition is of (a) smaller and (b) failing unitaries.

The English Devolution White Paper announced that we will facilitate a programme of local government reorganisation for two-tier areas, and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services.On 16 December, I wrote to all councils in two-tier areas and to neighbouring small unitaries alongside the English Devolution White Paper, to set out our plans. I intend to formally invite unitary proposals in January 2025 from these councils and I will ask for interim plans in March. I am open to hearing from other councils who consider reorganisation will put them on a more sustainable footing. As set out in the White Paper, I will take a phased approach to delivery, taking into account where reorganisation can unlock devolution, where areas are keen to move quickly or where it can help address wider failings.

Communities and Local Government, what ratio of Councillors to electors she expects new unitary authorities to be created with.

As set out in the White Paper, we want to see stronger community arrangements when reorganisation happens in the way councils engage at a neighbourhood or area level. My department is liaising closely with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) so that they are involved at the appropriate time to ensure fair electoral arrangements across the area of any new unitary local authorities.The LGBCE’s approach during electoral reviews is that there are no set ratios of the number of electors each councillor should represent. The ratio flows from the number of councillors an authority should have. An authority has a unique set of characteristics which determines this and the LGBCE’s approach is outlined in its electoral review guidance. There are no set limits on the number of councillors although the guidance indicates that a compelling case would be needed for a council size of more than 100 members or less than 30.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, what her planned timetable is for (a) smaller and (b) failing unitaries to develop proposals for local government reorganisation.

The English Devolution White Paper announced that we will facilitate a programme of local government reorganisation for two-tier areas, and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services.On 16 December, I wrote to all councils in two-tier areas and to neighbouring small unitaries alongside the English Devolution White Paper, to set out our plans. I intend to formally invite unitary proposals in January 2025 from these councils and I will ask for interim plans in March. I am open to hearing from other councils who consider reorganisation will put them on a more sustainable footing. As set out in the White Paper, I will take a phased approach to delivery, taking into account where reorganisation can unlock devolution, where areas are keen to move quickly or where it can help address wider failings.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, whether she plans to require local consultations to be carried out ahead of local government reorganisation.

For local government reorganisation, it will be essential for councils to work with local partners, stakeholders, and MPs, to develop plans for sustainable unitary structures capable of delivering the high-quality public services that residents need and deserve. It is for councils to decide how best to engage locally, including with residents, in a meaningful and constructive way when developing their proposals.We will consult a range of stakeholders in areas where we receive proposals for reorganisation, as required by statute. I will write to local authorities in further detail, inviting proposals for local government reorganisation and setting out the criteria to be used to assess proposals, in due course.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, what electoral system will be used to elect mayors created under this plan.

The voting system for unitary elections is First Past the Post.For Mayoral Elections, I refer the hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 20691 on 19 December 2024.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, what electoral system new unitary authority areas will use.

The voting system for unitary elections is First Past the Post.For Mayoral Elections, I refer the hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 20691 on 19 December 2024.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the capacity available at the Local Government Boundary Commission for England to draft electoral boundaries for new unitary authorities.

My department is liaising closely with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England so that they are involved at the appropriate time to ensure fair electoral arrangements across the area of any new unitary local authorities.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to paragraph 2.2.1 of her Department's English Devolution White Paper published 16 December 2024, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the creation of devolution island local authority areas on adjoining Mayoral Strategic Authorities.

The English Devolution White Paper sets out clear principles this Government will have regard to when considering proposals for new devolution agreements. This includes a new default assumption that proposals cover a combined population of 1.5 million or above to ensure they can deliver at a strategic scale, and must not create devolution ‘islands’ by leaving areas which are too small to go it alone or which do not have natural partners. There are a limited number of circumstances where it may be necessary to consider proposals that do not meet these principles, and Government will assess these proposals on a case-by-case basis.All existing Combined Authorities, including Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, will automatically be classified as Strategic Authorities. The Government will consider locally developed proposals for changes to existing Strategic Authority boundaries where they meet the principles set out the in the White Paper.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to paragraph 2.2.1 of her Department's English Devolution White Paper, published 16 December 2024, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority becoming a Strategic Authority notwithstanding having a population below 1.5 million.

The English Devolution White Paper sets out clear principles this Government will have regard to when considering proposals for new devolution agreements. This includes a new default assumption that proposals cover a combined population of 1.5 million or above to ensure they can deliver at a strategic scale, and must not create devolution ‘islands’ by leaving areas which are too small to go it alone or which do not have natural partners. There are a limited number of circumstances where it may be necessary to consider proposals that do not meet these principles, and Government will assess these proposals on a case-by-case basis.All existing Combined Authorities, including Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, will automatically be classified as Strategic Authorities. The Government will consider locally developed proposals for changes to existing Strategic Authority boundaries where they meet the principles set out the in the White Paper.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of developers transferring sustainable urban drainage systems to Internal Drainage Boards for ongoing maintenance.

The government is committed to securing the delivery of high-quality sustainable drainage systems to help manage flood risk and adapt to the effects of climate change.National Planning Guidance is clear that local authorities should be satisfied that all Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems have clear maintenance and adoption arrangements in place for the lifetime of a development.We will consider whether further changes are required to manage sustainable drainage systems provision through the planning system when we consult on further reform.We will also consult this year on options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements to end the injustice of ‘fleecehold’.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of transferring balancing ponds owned by National Highways to Internal Drainage Boards.

No such assessments have been undertaken on the potential merits of transferring ownership of balancing ponds.