Written questions by McMurdock.

What support his Department is providing to businesses in Essex to increase the levels of exports of (a) goods and (b) services.

UK businesses, including those in Essex, can access DBT’s wealth of export support via Great.gov.uk. This comprises online support and our wider network of support, including Export Champions, the Export Academy, our International Markets network, and UK Export Finance. Alongside this, our international trade advisers use their extensive experience of exporting and knowledge of the needs of SMEs in their sectors and regions to provide one-to-one tailored support to businesses across the UK. DBT will continue to review its offer to ensure businesses have the support they need to export and grow.

If he will bring forward legislative proposals to require supermarkets to charge regulated prices for certain products.

The government does not intend to propose legislation directly regulating prices in supermarkets. Effective competition in the grocery market will ensure fair prices and choices are available to consumers.Promoting effective competition is the responsibility of the independent Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). In response to cost of living pressures, the CMA has conducted a wide-ranging project looking at competition and prices in the groceries sector. This work found that competition is generally working well in the sector, however the CMA are continuing this work and examining the impact of loyalty scheme pricing.

What steps his Department is taking to encourage companies to invest in Basildon.

Growth is the government’s central economic mission and we are currently developing an Industrial Strategy which aims to drive growth across the UK through investment in key sectors and regions. The Department of Business and Trade (DBT) encourages investment across the UK through working closely with local council teams. A recent example is the 11th of September opening of Iveco’s UK HQ in Basildon, closely supported by DBT alongside Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council. DBT regularly refers to Basildon’s strong industrial base in company information requests, referring to well-established overseas investors such as the Ford Motor Company and CNH Industrial Tractors. DBT works to promote Basildon to investors with further support from the Thames Estuary Growth Board PRP, The Thames Freeport team and the Cities and Local Growth Unit.

What steps his Department is taking to encourage companies to invest in Thurrock.

Growth is the government’s central economic mission and we are currently developing an Industrial Strategy which aims to drive growth across the UK through investment in key sectors and regions.DBT looks to encourage investment across the UK and works closely with relevant economic development and inward investment officers at Essex County Council, The Thames Freeport and the Thames Estuary Growth Board (PRP) along with the local councils as appropriate.Investment into the wider region (Essex, Kent and East Sussex) has been consistent between 2021-2024. The number of jobs created rose to 1281 in 2023-2024, a 40% rise from the previous year.The Lakeside shopping Centre at West Thurrock continues to be an attraction for foreign retailers and DBT has supported retail and distribution investments in the region from Aldi, Lidl and Amazon.

What steps he is taking to support parents who need to take time out of work to care for children with long term illnesses.

The Government recognises the difficult circumstances faced by parents who need to take time out of work to care for children with long term illnesses. The Government has made a range of commitments which will work to support parents in this situation so they can balance work with caring responsibilities. This includes making flexible working the default as part of the Employment Rights Bill, which will make it easier for parents to access flexible working where it is feasible. Government has also committed to reviewing unpaid Carer’s leave and exploring the benefits of a paid entitlement.