Every parliamentary written question tabled by Gregory Stafford this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 421–440 of 565 · this parliament
Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of ground rent costs on the ability of long-term leaseholders to sell their leased properties.
The government remains firmly committed to its manifesto commitment to tackle unregulated and unaffordable ground rents, and we will deliver this in legislation.
What steps her Department is taking to support to the victims of the Safe Hands Funeral Plan.
I refer the honorable member to my response to UIN 39592.
What discussions she has had with UK-based private lenders on debt cancellation for lower-income countries.
Supporting developing countries to tackle unsustainable debt is a key development priority of this government. The UK government is working closely with borrowers, official and private creditors, and the IMF and World Bank, to strengthen the wider debt architecture and provide timely and coordinated restructurings for countries where needed, to support holistic debt sustainability for low-income countries. The Paris Club, and now the G20 as part of its commitment to coordinate on debt treatments under the Common Framework, are clear on our collective expectation that private creditors must participate in restructurings on terms at least as favourable as those provided by sovereign creditors. In working with the private sector, the government has focussed on enhancing a market-based approach. This includes working with private sector creditors to strengthen contracts underpinning debt issuance to ensure private sector participation in debt restructuring, building on IMF evidence that suggests this approach is working well. Recognising the importance of the private sector in debt discussions and drawing on the expertise of the City of London, we have set up the London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt, which I will co-chair and which will consider non-bonded debt issues among others. The Coalition will leverage London’s role as a financial services hub by bringing together government and private sector stakeholders to drive solutions for more sustainable sovereign debt financing in developing economies.
With reference to her Department's reports entitled Roadside Vehicle Noise Measurement - Phase 2 Final Report, published August 2021, and Work Order T0218 Roadside Vehicle Noise Measurement – Phase 3 Parts A to C, published March 2024, what assessment she has made of noise camera trials in (a) controlled and (b) real-world conditions in (i) detecting and (ii) identifying excessively noisy vehicles.
The Department conducted controlled and real-world trials of noise camera technology between April 2022 and February 2023. Reports of these trials, including detailed assessment of the technology’s performance and potential merits, were published on 17 March 2024.Overall, the trials demonstrated that noise cameras currently have the potential to detect and identify excessively noisy vehicles, but only when accompanied by human review of the recorded evidence, which is likely to lower the cost effectiveness of deploying the technology in many circumstances.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to encourage Forestry England to introduce disabled parking spaces in the Bourne Woods car park, Surrey.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 11 November 2024, UIN 12353.
What assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of recent legislative changes at enhancing private sector participation in sovereign debt relief for low-income countries; and whether she plans to introduce further initiatives to help ensure (a) timely and (b) equitable debt restructuring.
The government is not currently pursuing legislative changes to enhance private sector participation in debt restructurings for low-income countries. The UK, alongside the G20 and Paris Club, expects private creditors to participate in debt restructurings on comparable terms and we have seen private creditors’ willingness to engage and provide debt treatments where needed, including for Zambia and Ghana. We work closely with the private sector on several aspects of their participation in debt treatments – including to help ensure timely and comparable treatments – through bilateral meetings, engagement with representative institutions, and the Paris Club’s regular discussions with the private sector. The government is focused on enhancing a market-based approach to private sector participation – including through working to strengthen the contracts underpinning debt issuance, and to increase transparency. The Chancellor recently announced the launch of the London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt, which will promote the uptake of UK-led contractual innovations – namely, Climate Resilient Debt Clauses and Majority Voting Provisions – in private lending.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) banning the use of Bovaer and (b) allowing the use of Kelp.
The Food Standards Agency has advised milk from cows given Bovaer is safe to drink. Bovaer has undergone a rigorous safety assessment and is approved for use in Great Britain. Regulation of feed additives and materials, such as Kelp, is the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency. Both synthetic and natural feed products must be demonstrated as safe for use to be added to the GB Register of Feed Materials.
What the qualification requirements are for Personal Independence Payment assessors.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has set clear requirements on the professions, skills, experience, and training of health professionals (HPs) that assessment suppliers use to carry out assessments. The Personal Independence Payment Assessment Guide (PIPAG) states all HPs recruited for the delivery of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments (or any parts of these) must meet the following requirements:Be an occupational therapist, nurse, physiotherapist, paramedic, doctor, pharmacist or by exception, another registered healthcare professional, providing the requirements set out within the PIPAG are met, the individual continues to satisfy quality and probation processes, and only by individual, prior, written agreement with the DWP.Be fully registered with the relevant licensing bodyHave no sanctions attached to registration unless: they relate to disability, or the HP is a doctor who has an approved practice setting (APS) (as defined by the General Medical Council from time to time) requirement on the grounds that they have not had their first revalidation post qualification as a doctorIn individual cases, the requirement for HPs not to have any sanction attached to registration may be waived subject to prior written agreement with DWP (no waiver is required in relation to any sanction relating to disability or an APS requirement)Have at least 1 year’s post full registration experience (this refers to either UK registration or equivalent overseas registration for non-UK HPs) or less than 1 year’s post full registration experience by individual, prior, written agreement with the DWP.Have passed a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the appropriate level.
What plans she has to (a) bring forward legislative and (b) amend existing legislation to tackle noise pollution caused by (i) motorcycles and (ii) modified vehicle exhaust systems.
The Department does not have plans to amend existing vehicle noise legislation.The Department takes the impact of noise pollution on health, wellbeing and the natural environment seriously. Strict noise regulations for motorcycles are harmonised at an international level and require vehicles to demonstrate compliance before being placed on the market. Replacement exhaust systems that are to be used on the road must also meet strict noise limits that are aligned with those of the original vehicle.The police have powers to deal with noisy vehicles on an ongoing basis. Under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 they can take action if they suspect a vehicle is being driven in a manner that makes excessive noise which is avoidable through reasonable driver care. In the same Regulations, vehicle exhaust systems are required to be maintained in good working order and not altered so as to increase noise.
Food and Rural Affairs, how many applications have been received from commercial laying hen and pullet keepers for the Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant in England.
The deadline for online applications was the 18 September 2024. The Rural Payments Agency received 103 applications. The deadline for full applications is 28 April 2026. As of 22 April 25, one full application has been received. Checks to confirm eligibility against the requirements of the Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant will be completed as part of full application process.
Pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 32890 on Homes for Ukraine Scheme, whether her Department plans to publish eligibility criteria for Ukrainian nationals resident in the UK wishing to transition to alternative routes to settlement after the expiry of the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the absence of a bespoke long-term route on Ukrainians in the UK.
We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.This is why our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application.Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, which provide full rights to work and study, can apply to switch into other visa routes for which they qualify even if their visa does not normally allow them to do so. The link to the page providing further guidance for Ukrainian nationals who are in the UK with a visa is here: Ukrainian nationals in the UK: visa support - GOV.UK.We keep the Ukraine schemes under continuous review in line with the ongoing conflict.
How revenues from the sale of NHS Property Services assets are re-allocated.
Where integrated care boards (ICBs) declare NHS Property Service (NHSPS) owned assets surplus to their future clinical requirements, the NHSPS markets these properties for sale with the net proceeds, after the cost of sale, being reinvested into operational healthcare facilities. All sales follow the process set out in Managing Public Money, to maximise value for the taxpayer.All net proceeds from the sale of surplus NHSPS assets are split equally between local and national capital investment projects, with half of the proceeds being invested in local priority capital investment schemes agreed with the local ICB, and the remainder being reinvested in NHSPS owned properties, to ensure that all NHSPS properties continue to meet statutory requirements. Running cost and rental savings associated with the rationalisation of the estate and the disposal of surplus sites accrue to the National Health Service. NHSPS is a not-for-profit company wholly owned by My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to not provide Official Development Assistance to countries that have higher (a) gross domestic product and (b) purchasing parity power than the UK.
Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review. We plan to publish final 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Annual Report & Accounts this summer.All UK ODA spending is consistent with the international rules agreed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Development Assistance Committee. Under these rules, ODA can only be provided to countries with a per capita Gross National Income of less than US$13,845 in 2022.
Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help support housing associations to seek possession of a property when there is substantial evidence of anti-social behaviour.
Social landlords already have a range of powers and enforcement tools to tackle anti-social behaviour including powers to evict perpetrators. We expect landlords to use those powers promptly and proportionately, putting the needs of victims at the heart of their response. The government is strengthening these powers through the Renters’ Rights Bill for private registered providers. Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for this government, and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission. We will crack down on those making neighbourhoods feel unsafe and unwelcoming by introducing the new Respect Order, which local authorities will be able to apply for and which will carry tough sanctions and penalties for persistent adult offenders. The police, local authorities and social landlords may already apply for a Civil Injunction under Section 1 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to prevent behaviour that is causing housing-related nuisance and annoyance.
Whether she has had recent discussions with (a) the Welsh government, (b) Natural Resources Wales and (c) the Canal and River Trust on the extraction of water during drier periods to supply the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.
I have regular discussions with Welsh Government Ministers and stakeholder organisations in Wales on a wide range of matters, including the environment. Whilst water management is devolved to the Welsh Government, the UK Government recognises the environmental and economic value of canals in Wales and is investing £13.9m in restoring the Montgomery canal.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the cost of extended producer responsibility fees in (a) the UK and (b) other European countries.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 4th April 2025, UIN 42346.
With reference to the Stroke Association's report entitled Unlocking Potential: A Bold Vision for Stroke Care in England, what steps his Department is taking to (a) reduce disability and death from stroke, (b) improve access to stroke care in the community and (c) help tackle social inequalities in stroke outcomes.
The Stroke Association’s report, Unlocking Potential: A Bold Vision for Stroke Care in England, provides comprehensive plan to improve stroke care in England over the next decade highlighting several key areas for improvement, including prevention, digital innovation, and community support. These areas align with the Department's commitment to the 10-Year Health Plan’s three transformative shifts in healthcare: moving more care from hospitals into homes, prioritising prevention over treatment, and advancing from analogue to digital solutions. These strategic shifts are the building blocks to our health mission, namely reducing time spent in poor health, tackling health inequalities and reducing the lives lost from the biggest killers, which includes stroke.NHS England is prioritising implementation of the National Service Model for an Integrated Community Stroke Service (ICSS model) with delivery of specialist stroke rehabilitation at home and in care homes, as well as improving life after stroke support and six-month follow-up reviews by working closely with the voluntary sector. The ICSS model is vital to support physical, cognitive and psychological recovery, return to work and quality of life. More information on the model is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-service-model-for-an-integrated-community-stroke-service/The ICSS model includes provision of tailored and patient centred reablement care, through joint working between the National Health Service and social care. Provision of peer support and reviews every six months, information, and longer-term support in the community is also achieved through integrated and collaborative working with the voluntary sector.The National Stroke Quality Improvement in Rehabilitation (SQuIRe) programme is driving implementation of the integrated community stroke services model in England. NHS England funds SQuIRe posts in each NHS region to work with integrated care boards (ICBs) to improve provision of community-based stroke rehabilitation, promote recovery from stroke and improve patient outcomes. ICBs also receive a separate funding allocation to support prevention services which include stroke rehabilitation.
How many Channel crossings by irregular migrants have taken place since 1 January 2025.
The Home Office publishes the number of Channel crossings on a daily basis. Since 1 April, the UK Border Force has continued to work with their French counterparts and other partners around the world to take action against the organised immigration crime groups responsible for the cross-Channel trade, disrupting their supply chains and dismantling their networks.
What progress has been made on research into a breath test to enable early detection of Pancreatic Cancer.
The PANACEA study will recruit 8,000 patients across 40 sites by September 2026 to evaluate breath test performance and is expected to complete in March 2027. This is one strand of the Office for Life Sciences’ Cancer Healthcare Goals Programme, which supports the development of technologies that enable earlier, more effective cancer diagnosis and improved treatment. The Department invests over £1.6 billion per year in health research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). NIHR spent £133 million on cancer research in 2023/24.
Whether she plans to review the (a) subsidies and (b) tax reliefs available to (i) Rosebank, (ii) Jackdaw and (iii) other new oil and gas developments.
The OBR’s most recent forecast of tax revenues from the oil and gas sector is available at the following link: https://obr.uk/efo/economic-and-fiscal-outlook-march-2025/. Similarly, where data is available, estimates of the cost of tax reliefs applicable to the oil and gas sector are at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tax-relief-statistics. This publication contains non-disclosive estimates of the number of claimants for each relief. The UK does not give any subsidies to fossil fuel companies in line with the International Energy Agency’s definition of a fossil fuel subsidy. A predictable and stable fiscal regime is essential to create the right conditions for investment and to protect jobs in the North Sea. On 5 March 2025, the government published a consultation https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/oil-and-gas-price-mechanism-consultation setting out options for the design of a new permanent oil and gas price mechanism to respond to future oil and gas price shocks, which will replace the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) when that ends in 2030 or earlier if the EPL’s price floor is triggered.