Written questions by Snell.

How many and what percentage of small cider producers produce less than five hectolitres of pure alcohol and are exempt from alcohol duty payments.

Alcohol duty on all products collectively raises over £12bn a year, helping to fund vital public services as well as reduce harmful drinking. The 2023 alcohol duty reforms brought much greater consistency of treatment between different types of alcohol. The reforms also increased duty on cider above 4.5% ABV, particularly targeting high-strength white ciders that have been linked to harmful drinking. HMRC plans to evaluate the impact of these reforms three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023, and the Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far. HMRC does not collect data on cidermakers producing less than 5 hectolitres of pure alcohol in a year. This is because, as per Section 5.2 of the Alcoholic products technical guide, producers are not required to submit a return if they produced 5 hectolitres or less of alcohol in the previous year and have estimated that they will produce 5 hectolitres or less of alcohol in the current year, across all premises. More information on the Alcoholic products technical guide can be found here: Alcoholic products technical guide - Section 5 — returns and payments - Guidance - GOV.UK

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of equalising cider and beer duty.

Alcohol duty on all products collectively raises over £12bn a year, helping to fund vital public services as well as reduce harmful drinking. The 2023 alcohol duty reforms brought much greater consistency of treatment between different types of alcohol. The reforms also increased duty on cider above 4.5% ABV, particularly targeting high-strength white ciders that have been linked to harmful drinking. HMRC plans to evaluate the impact of these reforms three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023, and the Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far. HMRC does not collect data on cidermakers producing less than 5 hectolitres of pure alcohol in a year. This is because, as per Section 5.2 of the Alcoholic products technical guide, producers are not required to submit a return if they produced 5 hectolitres or less of alcohol in the previous year and have estimated that they will produce 5 hectolitres or less of alcohol in the current year, across all premises. More information on the Alcoholic products technical guide can be found here: Alcoholic products technical guide - Section 5 — returns and payments - Guidance - GOV.UK

How many looked after children there were in each year since 1994 by age of the child on ceasing to be looked after.

Information on children looked after, including those ceasing care, for the latest five years is published in the annual statistical release: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2024.Data on placements with foster carers, for the last five years, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/769dd855-b3f1-4884-95dc-08de11382822. Information is not collected on the specific relationship to the child, so we are not able to distinguish between friends, relatives or parents as the responsible person(s).Information for the latest five years, as at 31 March, on children looked after by legal status can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f866f48d-beea-4067-95e8-08de11382822.Information for the latest five years on the children who ceased care, by reason episode ceased and age on ceasing, can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/e784faaa-438e-4d3e-7abd-08de11c58191.Figures for years from 2006 are contained in previous years’ releases at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-looked-after-children.Figures for years 1995 to 2003 can be found in the statistical release children looked after by local authorities, year ending 31 March: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107105354/http:/www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/StatisticalWorkAreas/Statisticalsocialcare/DH_4086766.Similarly data for 2003/04 can be located at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906154947/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000533/index.shtml.Data for 2004/05 can be found at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906153807/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000615/index.shtml.

How many looked after children there were subject to (a) a care order and (b) voluntary agreements under section 20 of the Children Act 1989 as of 31 March in each year since 1994.

Information on children looked after, including those ceasing care, for the latest five years is published in the annual statistical release: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2024.Data on placements with foster carers, for the last five years, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/769dd855-b3f1-4884-95dc-08de11382822. Information is not collected on the specific relationship to the child, so we are not able to distinguish between friends, relatives or parents as the responsible person(s).Information for the latest five years, as at 31 March, on children looked after by legal status can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f866f48d-beea-4067-95e8-08de11382822.Information for the latest five years on the children who ceased care, by reason episode ceased and age on ceasing, can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/e784faaa-438e-4d3e-7abd-08de11c58191.Figures for years from 2006 are contained in previous years’ releases at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-looked-after-children.Figures for years 1995 to 2003 can be found in the statistical release children looked after by local authorities, year ending 31 March: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107105354/http:/www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/StatisticalWorkAreas/Statisticalsocialcare/DH_4086766.Similarly data for 2003/04 can be located at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906154947/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000533/index.shtml.Data for 2004/05 can be found at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906153807/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000615/index.shtml.

How many looked after children there were in each year since 1994 by reason the episode of care ceased.

Information on children looked after, including those ceasing care, for the latest five years is published in the annual statistical release: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2024.Data on placements with foster carers, for the last five years, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/769dd855-b3f1-4884-95dc-08de11382822. Information is not collected on the specific relationship to the child, so we are not able to distinguish between friends, relatives or parents as the responsible person(s).Information for the latest five years, as at 31 March, on children looked after by legal status can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f866f48d-beea-4067-95e8-08de11382822.Information for the latest five years on the children who ceased care, by reason episode ceased and age on ceasing, can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/e784faaa-438e-4d3e-7abd-08de11c58191.Figures for years from 2006 are contained in previous years’ releases at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-looked-after-children.Figures for years 1995 to 2003 can be found in the statistical release children looked after by local authorities, year ending 31 March: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107105354/http:/www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/StatisticalWorkAreas/Statisticalsocialcare/DH_4086766.Similarly data for 2003/04 can be located at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906154947/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000533/index.shtml.Data for 2004/05 can be found at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906153807/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000615/index.shtml.

How many looked after children there were (a) in foster placement with (i) relatives and (ii) friends, (b) placed with (A) parents and (B) other persons with parental responsibility, (c) placed for adoption and (d) in total as of 31 March in each year since 1994.

Information on children looked after, including those ceasing care, for the latest five years is published in the annual statistical release: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoptions/2024.Data on placements with foster carers, for the last five years, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/769dd855-b3f1-4884-95dc-08de11382822. Information is not collected on the specific relationship to the child, so we are not able to distinguish between friends, relatives or parents as the responsible person(s).Information for the latest five years, as at 31 March, on children looked after by legal status can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/f866f48d-beea-4067-95e8-08de11382822.Information for the latest five years on the children who ceased care, by reason episode ceased and age on ceasing, can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/e784faaa-438e-4d3e-7abd-08de11c58191.Figures for years from 2006 are contained in previous years’ releases at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-looked-after-children.Figures for years 1995 to 2003 can be found in the statistical release children looked after by local authorities, year ending 31 March: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130107105354/http:/www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Statistics/StatisticalWorkAreas/Statisticalsocialcare/DH_4086766.Similarly data for 2003/04 can be located at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906154947/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000533/index.shtml.Data for 2004/05 can be found at: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20110906153807/http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000615/index.shtml.

What assessment she has made of including credit unions in the forthcoming National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The Government recognises the importance of the credit union sector in promoting the financial inclusion, education, and resilience of communities throughout the country. Today, I will publish the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, setting out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. The strategy builds on the Government’s recognition of the key role credit unions play in serving underserved groups, with interventions to support the credit union sector scale and serve its members more effectively. Action to improve financial inclusion requires a joined-up approach and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the sector to deliver on the important interventions set out in the strategy.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of using post offices to (a) onboard and (b) support people impacted by (i) identity and (ii) digital exclusion in the context of mandatory digital identity.

The government will launch a full public consultation on the design of the new Digital ID, and have already started to engage with a range of expert organisations. At the heart of this will be the largest ever digital inclusion programme ever delivered in this country, to ensure everyone can access this new free ID and benefit from it. We are considering options like a digitally enabled physical alternative for those without access to technology, as well as in-person onboarding support for those who struggle to engage digitally. This may include Post Offices but that decision has not yet been made and will depend on several different factors.

What steps his Department is taking to (a) engage with and (b) educate postmasters on the practical implications of the potential mutualisation of the Post Office.

My department has been actively engaging postmasters through the Green Paper consultation on the future of the Post Office, which closed earlier this month. This included two postmaster focus groups to ensure postmaster voices are clearly heard on the full range of issues covered by the Green Paper, including mutualisation and other governance options.The Green Paper itself included information on mutualisation as one potential future ownership model, and the department is continuing to analyse feedback on this and other options. However, it is worth noting that decisions on long-term governance will not be taken until the second volume of Sir Wyn Williams inquiry has been published. In the interim both the department and the Post Office will continue to actively engage Postmasters on this topic.

What progress she has made on joint discussions between the Post Office and banks to expand the range of banking services available at post offices.

The Government is supportive of industry initiatives that assist access to in-person banking. These include the Post Office Banking Framework which allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The specific services provided under the Framework are subject to commercial negotiations between individual banks and the Post Office, and the Government has no role in deciding what these arrangements are.In due course, as committed to, the government will look to host joint discussions with Post Office and the banking sector on collaboration between Post Office and the banking sector in providing cash and banking services, on a commercial and voluntary basis.

How many and what proportion of Government Car Service cars were manufactured in the UK.

40 cars were manufactured in the UK which represents 37% of the current Government Car Service fleet.

What steps her Department plans to take to support credit unions, in the context of the forthcoming National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The government has committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year to improve access to financial products and the financial resilience of households in the UK. The strategy will address a range of barriers to financial inclusion, including a key focus on how to improve access to credit. This will seek to build on the government’s recognition of the key role credit unions play in serving underserved groups. The government has made clear its strong support for the credit union sector, recognising the value that credit unions bring to their members in local communities across the country in providing savings products and affordable credit. HM Treasury is delivering on measures announced by the Chancellor in last year’s Mansion House speech to support credit unions and the wider mutuals sector, including: concluding a call for evidence on potential reforms to credit union common bonds, supporting the industry-led Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council, and commissioning the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to publish a report on the mutuals landscape by the end of 2025.

What progress she has made in reviewing responses to the call for evidence on reforming the credit union common bond in Great Britain; and when she plans to publish proposed next steps.

The government recognises the role that credit unions play in providing savings and affordable loans to their members, serving local communities throughout the country. This is why the government is taking steps to ensure credit unions are fully supported to grow and scale into the future. This includes exploring legislative reform to the credit union common bond, to ensure it remains fit for purpose. We launched a call for evidence at last year’s Mansion House on the potential reform, which closed in March this year. Responses to the call for evidence are being carefully considered and the government will provide an update on this work in due course.

When her Department plans to publish the National Financial Inclusion Strategy; and what (a) themes and (b) policy measures it will include to (i) address financial exclusion and (ii) improve people's financial resilience.

The Government has committed to publish a national Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year to improve access to financial products and the financial resilience of underserved groups in the UK. The strategy will address key barriers to financial inclusion, with a focus on: (i) digital inclusion and access to banking; (ii) savings; (iii) insurance; (iv) credit; (v) problem debt; and (vi) financial education and capability. Across these areas, the themes of accessibility, mental health, and economic abuse have also been considered in recognition of the particular challenges individuals can face in relation to these issues.

What assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of credit unions in (a) providing affordable credit and (b) promoting financial resilience, in the context of the forthcoming National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The government has committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year to improve access to financial products and the financial resilience of households in the UK. The strategy will address a range of barriers to financial inclusion, including a key focus on how to improve access to credit. This will seek to build on the government’s recognition of the key role credit unions play in serving underserved groups. The government has made clear its strong support for the credit union sector, recognising the value that credit unions bring to their members in local communities across the country in providing savings products and affordable credit. HM Treasury is delivering on measures announced by the Chancellor in last year’s Mansion House speech to support credit unions and the wider mutuals sector, including: concluding a call for evidence on potential reforms to credit union common bonds, supporting the industry-led Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council, and commissioning the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to publish a report on the mutuals landscape by the end of 2025.

What proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in her Department is made by a British manufacturer.

The Department has management responsibility for on-site canteens / restaurants at the London headquarters building and at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) offices in Swansea. Crockery and tableware at the DfT London headquarters buildings has been sourced over a number of years from various suppliers within the UK, however, full information about the country of manufacture is not available. The crockery used at the DVLA office is manufactured at a factory in Stoke-on-Trent. The tableware at this site has been in use over several years and it is not possible to get an accurate figure on what was made by a British manufacturer.

What proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in (a) his Department and (b) job centres is made by a British manufacturer.

The current FM supply chain who provide catering services (as of 1st October 2025) has inherited canteen crockery and cutlery from the previous supplier(s), therefore are unable to ascertain where these were manufactured. Our suppliers have confirmed there are no plans in place currently to purchase any crockery or cutlery in the future.

What proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in his Department is made by a British manufacturer.

The Government is committed to supporting British businesses and ensuring they have the best chance to win public contracts.The new Procurement Act creates a simpler and more transparent system that will support British businesses bidding for work.The Act also allows contracting authorities to set standards that recognise the quality and standard of UK businesses and products.Alongside this, the National Procurement Policy Statement encourages contracting authorities to consider this government’s Industrial strategy and the sectors vital to our economic growth.The Scotland Office has tableware and crockery for use at events which has been sourced over a number of years from various suppliers within the UK. Information on the country of manufacture is not available.

What proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in her Department is made by a British manufacturer.

The Government is committed to supporting British businesses and ensuring they have the best chance to win public contracts. The new Procurement Act creates a simpler and more transparent system that will support British businesses bidding for work. The Act also allows contracting authorities to set standards that recognise the quality and standard of UK businesses and products. Alongside this, the National Procurement Policy Statement encourages contracting authorities to consider this government’s Industrial strategy and the sectors vital to our economic growth. HM Treasury does not hold the information requested. The provision of catering facilities, including tableware and crockery in catering outlets for HM Treasury staff and buildings, is managed under contracts administered by the Government Property Agency.

What proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in (i) his Department and (ii) Hillsborough Castle is made by a British manufacturer.

The Government is committed to supporting British businesses and ensuring they have the best chance to win public contracts.Crockery and tableware at Northern Ireland Office buildings and Hillsborough Castle has been sourced over a number of years from various suppliers. However, full information about the country of manufacture is not available. A percentage of the crockery used within the department and Hillsborough Castle was however manufactured in the United Kingdom.