Written questions by McMurdock.

What information her Department holds on the proportion of legal migrants to the UK who are net contributors to the UK's public finances.

The net impact on fiscal balances will vary across different migrant cohorts, influenced by factors such as employment rate, income level, age, and their propensity to use different types of public services.The Government publishes estimates of the fiscal impact of groups of migrants in impact assessments accompanying changes to Immigration Rules. Home Office Impact Assessments and wider analysis can be found here: Migration analysis at the Home Office - GOV.UKImmigration rules changes published in October 2025, included an Impact Assessment which set out the estimated per head net fiscal impacts of migrants by visa route.

What recent discussions she has had with police forces on trends in reported incidents involving trespassers attempting to enter residential properties.

It is important that the police have the power to tackle trespassing where there is intent to commit an offence.On 10th June, the Government announced its intention to repeal the outdated Vagrancy Act 1824.We have introduced targeted replacement measures in the Crime and Policing Bill to ensure police have the powers they need to keep communities safe, including a criminal offence of trespassing with intent to commit a criminal offence, an offence which was previously provided for under the 1824 Act, and for which the police have told us is useful to retain.As is currently the case in the 1824 Act, it will be an offence for a person to trespass on any premises, meaning any building, part of a building or enclosed area, with the intention to commit an offence.

What assessment she has made of the potential security risks associated with rapid increases in temporary recruitment in the delivery sector during peak shopping periods.

The Home Office has not made such an assessment. It is for companies in the delivery sector to act to ensure their employees are of good standing, and that appropriate and proportionate background checks are undertaken where this is deemed to be necessary.In relation to Royal Mail, Ofcom’s regulatory framework places obligations on them, as the universal service provider, in relation to recruitment, training of employees (including temporary workers) and on security of the mail processes for employees. This does not apply to other delivery operators.

What information her Department holds on the number of non-crime hate incidents in (a) Essex and (b) the UK which led to (i) successful and (ii) unsuccessful prosecutions.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

What data her Department holds on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded in (a) Essex and (b) the UK in each of the last five years.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

What guidance her Department has issued police forces on (a) processing and (b) storing data relating to people who were accused of but not charged with non-crime hate incidents.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

What guidance her Department plans to issue to police forces on the data of non-crime hate incidents suspects.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

What plans her Department has to instruct police forces to stop collecting non-crime hate incident data.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

What information her Department holds on the cost of recording non-crime hate incidents in (a) Essex and (b) the UK since 2020.

The Home Secretary has been clear about the priorities that she wants police forces across the country to focus on, and that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken in relation to non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs).That is why the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing are currently conducting a review of NCHIs, which we have asked to be expedited. We must allow that process to conclude to give both police and citizens the clarity they need. We look forward to receiving the review’s recommendations shortly.We will update Parliament on the findings, and any changes that may be required to the statutory Code of Practice on NCHIs introduced by the previous Government in 2023.The Home Office does not centrally hold or collate information on the number of non-crime hate incidents recorded by police forces, nor on the costs of recording these incidents. The data collected from the police balances policy needs and the burden on forces.NCHIs are not criminal offences and therefore cannot result in arrest, charge or prosecution.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 July 2025 to Question 66600 on Slingshots: Regulation, what information her Department holds on the number of offences committed with hand-held catapults and slingshots against people in (a) Essex and (b) the UK.

The Home Office does not hold information on the number of police recorded offences that involved hand-held catapults or slingshots.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 July 2025 to Question 66600 on Slingshots: Regulation, what information her Department holds on the number of criminal offences committed of using a (a) catapult and (b) slingshot to attack animals since 2020.

The Home Office does not hold information on the number of police recorded offences that involved hand-held catapults or slingshots.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of permanently closed police stations on (a) local community safety and (b) public confidence in policing.

Decisions regarding the management of local police resourcing and estates, including police stations, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents). They are best placed to make these decisions based on their knowledge of local need and their experience and in line with existing budgets. The Home Office does not collect data on the number or location of police stations, or the impact of their closure, including any associated costs to policing.As set out in the Revised Financial Management Code of Practice (FMCP) for police forces in England and Wales, the accounting for assets including property should comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. Any plans for the significant rationalisation or expansion of the estate should be included in a police force’s medium-term financial strategy. PCCs should consult with the Chief Constable when developing the budget and medium-term financial strategy, including a full assessment of the assets required to meet operational requirements.Police stations are just one of the ways in which people can access their local police, including reporting online and by phone 24/7 via 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency calls.A key part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission is focused on restoring neighbourhood policing, and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, The commitments set out in the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee are now making a considerable difference to the service communities receive from their neighbourhood policing teams. We have also provided £200 million in FY 2025/26 to support the first steps of delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of the Parliament. This increase in neighbourhood policing, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will strengthen the connections between the police and the communities they serve.

What guidance her Department provides to police and crime commissioners on the (a) maintenance, (b) security and (c) future use of disused police station buildings.

Decisions regarding the management of local police resourcing and estates, including police stations, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents). They are best placed to make these decisions based on their knowledge of local need and their experience and in line with existing budgets. The Home Office does not collect data on the number or location of police stations, or the impact of their closure, including any associated costs to policing.As set out in the Revised Financial Management Code of Practice (FMCP) for police forces in England and Wales, the accounting for assets including property should comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. Any plans for the significant rationalisation or expansion of the estate should be included in a police force’s medium-term financial strategy. PCCs should consult with the Chief Constable when developing the budget and medium-term financial strategy, including a full assessment of the assets required to meet operational requirements.Police stations are just one of the ways in which people can access their local police, including reporting online and by phone 24/7 via 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency calls.A key part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission is focused on restoring neighbourhood policing, and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, The commitments set out in the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee are now making a considerable difference to the service communities receive from their neighbourhood policing teams. We have also provided £200 million in FY 2025/26 to support the first steps of delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of the Parliament. This increase in neighbourhood policing, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will strengthen the connections between the police and the communities they serve.

How many police stations in Essex have been closed or left vacant since 2020; and what plans her Department has to support the repurposing or renewal of those sites.

Decisions regarding the management of local police resourcing and estates, including police stations, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents). They are best placed to make these decisions based on their knowledge of local need and their experience and in line with existing budgets. The Home Office does not collect data on the number or location of police stations, or the impact of their closure, including any associated costs to policing.As set out in the Revised Financial Management Code of Practice (FMCP) for police forces in England and Wales, the accounting for assets including property should comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. Any plans for the significant rationalisation or expansion of the estate should be included in a police force’s medium-term financial strategy. PCCs should consult with the Chief Constable when developing the budget and medium-term financial strategy, including a full assessment of the assets required to meet operational requirements.Police stations are just one of the ways in which people can access their local police, including reporting online and by phone 24/7 via 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency calls.A key part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission is focused on restoring neighbourhood policing, and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, The commitments set out in the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee are now making a considerable difference to the service communities receive from their neighbourhood policing teams. We have also provided £200 million in FY 2025/26 to support the first steps of delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of the Parliament. This increase in neighbourhood policing, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will strengthen the connections between the police and the communities they serve.

What the estimated annual cost to police forces is of maintaining vacant police station buildings in (a) Essex and (b) the UK.

Decisions regarding the management of local police resourcing and estates, including police stations, are a matter for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (or equivalents). They are best placed to make these decisions based on their knowledge of local need and their experience and in line with existing budgets. The Home Office does not collect data on the number or location of police stations, or the impact of their closure, including any associated costs to policing.As set out in the Revised Financial Management Code of Practice (FMCP) for police forces in England and Wales, the accounting for assets including property should comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. Any plans for the significant rationalisation or expansion of the estate should be included in a police force’s medium-term financial strategy. PCCs should consult with the Chief Constable when developing the budget and medium-term financial strategy, including a full assessment of the assets required to meet operational requirements.Police stations are just one of the ways in which people can access their local police, including reporting online and by phone 24/7 via 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergency calls.A key part of the Government’s Safer Streets Mission is focused on restoring neighbourhood policing, and rebuilding trust and confidence in policing, The commitments set out in the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee are now making a considerable difference to the service communities receive from their neighbourhood policing teams. We have also provided £200 million in FY 2025/26 to support the first steps of delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood policing personnel across England and Wales by the end of the Parliament. This increase in neighbourhood policing, alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will strengthen the connections between the police and the communities they serve.

What steps her Department is taking to help (a) encourage and (b) support the recruitment of armed forces veterans into the police.

The Government is committed to ensuring police forces are supported to effectively tackle crime. We are clear that visible policing is essential to restoring public confidence in the police.We recognise that there are important opportunities for those leaving the military to join police forces. We value these people’s commitment to public service.Following the introduction of the Police Constable Entry Programme military veterans have a range of options to join the police depending on the qualifications they may hold and the resettlement credits available to them.Decisions about police recruitment, including how recruitment and selection processes are run, are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of aligning the licensing regime for Section 2 shotguns with that for Section 1 firearms.

We will be undertaking a public consultation later this year on the greater alignment of the controls on shotguns with other firearms.The Government response to the 2023 firearms licensing consultation, published on 13 February this year, included a commitment to having a consultation on strengthening the licensing controls on shotguns. We will carefully consider the views put forward to the consultation in due course and this includes the possible impact of any changes.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of aligning Section 2 shotgun licensing with Section 1 high-powered firearms.

We will be undertaking a public consultation later this year on the greater alignment of the controls on shotguns with other firearms.The Government response to the 2023 firearms licensing consultation, published on 13 February this year, included a commitment to having a consultation on strengthening the licensing controls on shotguns. We will carefully consider the views put forward to the consultation in due course and this includes the possible impact of any changes.

If her Department will take steps to encourage police forces to prioritise funding for frontline roles rather than spending on diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Police forces that reflect the communities they serve are crucial to tackling crime and maintain public trust and confidence in a modern diverse society.Decisions about police recruitment and the allocation of resources are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces. It is for Chief Constables and directly elected PCCs, and Mayors with PCC functions to make decisions based on their local knowledge and experience.The Home Office does not hold data centrally on the number of diversity, equality and inclusion roles in police forces, or on the amount spent by forces on these roles.

How many people are employed by the police in roles where the primary focus is on diversity, equality and inclusion.

Police forces that reflect the communities they serve are crucial to tackling crime and maintain public trust and confidence in a modern diverse society.Decisions about police recruitment and the allocation of resources are a matter for Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners and are therefore managed locally by forces. It is for Chief Constables and directly elected PCCs, and Mayors with PCC functions to make decisions based on their local knowledge and experience.The Home Office does not hold data centrally on the number of diversity, equality and inclusion roles in police forces, or on the amount spent by forces on these roles.