Every parliamentary written question tabled by James McMurdock this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 2,461–2,480 of 3,503 · this parliament
Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to support older homeowners that wish to (a) downsize and (b) move to more accessible accommodation.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Question UIN 53184 on 27 May 2025 and UIN 74681 on 12 September 2025.
What steps his Department is taking to help support small and medium-sized businesses in the hospitality sector.
The Government recognises the vital role hospitality businesses in our communities and economy, including those in South Basildon and East Thurrock and that’s why we’re taking targeted action to support them with the pressures they face. That is why we are offering targeted support for the sector, like the Hospitality Support Scheme to co-fund projects such as Pub is The Hub to encourage local investment. In April, we launched a Taskforce to consider ways to create a more balanced premises licensing system that not only safeguards communities but also supports responsible businesses. On 7 October the Government issued a Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system - GOV.UK (deadline: midday, 6 November 2025). These reforms are part of the Small Business Strategy, which also tackles late payments, improves access to finance, and cuts red tape. We want planning and licensing systems to work fairly for businesses and residents. Additionally, we’re creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value and continue to work closely with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council to address the challenges facing businesses.
Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the number of older people living in under-occupied housing.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Question UIN 53184 on 27 May 2025 and UIN 74681 on 12 September 2025.
Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to increase the supply of accessible housing suitable for older people.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Question UIN 53184 on 27 May 2025 and UIN 74681 on 12 September 2025.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of her business rates policies on small hospitality businesses.
The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century. As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026-27. The final design, including the rates, of the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements. Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business, and froze the small business multiplier. Over a third of properties (more than 700,000) already pay no business rates as they receive 100 per cent Small Business Rate Relief, with an additional c.60,000 benefiting from reduced bills as this relief tapers.
Pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2025 to Question 81178, what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of volumetric concrete mixers which operate over the incoming 32 tonne limit.
The Department does not hold specific data on the proportion of volumetric concrete mixers that operate above the forthcoming 32-tonne weight limit. In the concrete delivery sector, the Department estimates there are in the region of 1,000 VCMs in operation. Existing vehicles can continue to operate beyond the end of the temporary arrangement provided they are loaded to the lower weight limits (for example, up to 32 tonnes for 4 or more axle rigid vehicles).
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions in numbers of pubs on the vitality of high streets.
We recognise the value of Pubs in all communities across in the UK. They’re social anchors that support local economies and footfall and are a key part in a high street’s vitality. We’re also aware of the pressures that they face. We want planning and licensing systems to work fairly for businesses and residents and so we are creating a more balanced premises licensing system that not only safeguards communities but also supports responsible businesses. On 7 October the Government issued a Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system - GOV.UK (deadline: midday, 6 November 2025). Additionally, we have cut alcohol duty on qualifying draught products, covering about 60% of pub sales saving pubs over £85m annually. We are also creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value and through the English Devolution Bill, we have introduced a strong new ‘right to buy’ to help communities safeguard valued community assets, empowering local communities to reclaim and revitalise empty shops, pubs, and community spaces, helping to revamp our high streets and eliminate the blight of vacant premises. We continue to work closely with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council, working together to address the challenges facing all hospitality businesses.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of suitability of housing for older people on levels of hospital admissions among those people.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Question UIN 53184 on 27 May 2025 and UIN 74681 on 12 September 2025.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of availability of accessible housing on the ability of older people to move out of larger family homes.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to Question UIN 53184 on 27 May 2025 and UIN 74681 on 12 September 2025.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of energy costs on the number of hospitality business closures in each year since 2021.
Whilst no specific assessment has been made on these trends, as Government we understand the importance to businesses of reducing their energy bills and reaching net zero and recognise the increased burdens and barriers businesses, particularly SMEs, face when trying to overcome these challenges.The Government has announced a new Zero Carbon Services Hospitality Trial, which aims to provides pubs, cafés, restaurants and hotels with free energy and carbon-cutting advice to slash their energy bills as part of the Government’s Plan for Change. This initiative is designed to help businesses reduce costs and support the transition to net zero.The Government continues to work closely with the Hospitality Sector Council, which brings together industry leaders to address strategic challenges and co-create solutions.
What steps he is taking to increase capacity in community-based health and social care.
The Neighbourhood Health Service will increase access to care in the community and embody our new preventative principle that care should happen as locally as it can, digitally by default, in a person’s home if possible, in a neighbourhood health centre when needed, and only in a hospital if necessary.This will be achieved by increasing capacity in primary and community care settings for health and social care provision. We are committed to ensuring that there is higher growth in investment in primary and community services than in hospitals and to making the most of local community assets.Neighbourhood health centres will provide easier, more convenient access to a full range of health and care services on people’s doorsteps, joining up National Health Service, local authority, and voluntary sector services as a one-stop shop.Through the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme, we are supporting 43 areas across England to drive innovation and integration locally, accelerating improvements in outcomes, satisfaction, and experiences by ensuring care is more joined-up, accessible, and responsive to community needs.
What steps he is taking to encourage earlier engagement with primary healthcare among men to improve early diagnosis rates.
We are developing a Men's Health Strategy which will seek to improve the health and wellbeing of all men in England, and which will be informed by a call for evidence. This includes finding the right ways to promote healthier behaviours, improving outcomes for health conditions that hit men harder, and improving engagement with healthcare. The call for evidence closed on 17 July 2025. The responses are informing the development of the strategy.
What recent assessment he has made of the rate at which (a) men and (b) women access primary healthcare services.
The Department does not hold this data. The appointment data collected by general practices, dentist practices, and pharmacies published by NHS England does not include a breakdown of appointments by the sex of the patient.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of delayed engagement with primary care among men on early diagnosis of health conditions.
We are developing a Men's Health Strategy which will seek to improve the health and wellbeing of all men in England, and which will be informed by a call for evidence. This includes finding the right ways to promote healthier behaviours, improving outcomes for health conditions that hit men harder, and improving engagement with healthcare. The call for evidence closed on 17 July 2025. The responses are informing the development of the strategy.
Whether he plans to introduce (a) targeted communication and (b) outreach campaigns to increase men’s participation in (i) health screening and (ii) early intervention programmes.
We are developing a Men's Health Strategy which will seek to improve the health and wellbeing of all men in England, and which will be informed by a call for evidence. This includes finding the right ways to promote healthier behaviours, improving outcomes for health conditions that hit men harder, and improving engagement with healthcare. The call for evidence closed on 17 July 2025. The responses are informing the development of the strategy.
What steps he is taking to raise awareness of the importance of (a) early intervention and (b) routine check-ups among men.
We are developing a Men's Health Strategy which will seek to improve the health and wellbeing of all men in England, and which will be informed by a call for evidence. This includes finding the right ways to promote healthier behaviours, improving outcomes for health conditions that hit men harder, and improving engagement with healthcare. The call for evidence closed on 17 July 2025. The responses are informing the development of the strategy.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of sensory rooms in hospitals on treatment experience of children with cancer.
The Department is committed to improving outcomes and patient experience for children and young people with cancer. NHS England is taking steps to improve the experience of children in hospital and their families, including young cancer patients. To improve standards for the provision of play in hospitals, the Taskforce on Children’s Play in Healthcare has developed national guidance on play provision for commissioners and new national play standards for service providers. NHS England has published service specifications that set out the service standards required of all providers of children and young people’s cancer services. The requirements include ensuring that every patient has access to specialist care and reducing physical, emotional, and psychological morbidity arising from treatment for childhood cancer. The specifications are available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/spec-services/npc-crg/group-b/b05/ The Department has not made a formal assessment of the potential impact of sensory rooms in hospitals on the treatment experience of children with cancer. On 4 February 2025, the Department relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce to identify tangible ways to improve outcomes and experiences for young cancer patients. The taskforce will explore opportunities for improvement, including detection and diagnosis, genomic testing and treatment, research and innovation, and patient experience. The taskforce will also ensure that the unique needs of children and young people with cancer are carefully considered as part of the National Cancer Plan for England, which will include further details on how we will improve play provision for children and young people with cancer.
What steps he is taking to support charities that provide make a wish experiences for children undergoing cancer treatment.
The Department is committed to improving outcomes and patient experience for children and young people with cancer. NHS England is taking steps to improve the experience of children in hospital and their families, including young cancer patients. To improve standards for the provision of play in hospitals, the Taskforce on Children’s Play in Healthcare has developed national guidance on play provision for commissioners and new national play standards for service providers. NHS England has published service specifications that set out the service standards required of all providers of children and young people’s cancer services. The requirements include ensuring that every patient has access to specialist care and reducing physical, emotional, and psychological morbidity arising from treatment for childhood cancer. The specifications are available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/spec-services/npc-crg/group-b/b05/ The Department has not made a formal assessment of the potential impact of sensory rooms in hospitals on the treatment experience of children with cancer. On 4 February 2025, the Department relaunched the Children and Young People Cancer Taskforce to identify tangible ways to improve outcomes and experiences for young cancer patients. The taskforce will explore opportunities for improvement, including detection and diagnosis, genomic testing and treatment, research and innovation, and patient experience. The taskforce will also ensure that the unique needs of children and young people with cancer are carefully considered as part of the National Cancer Plan for England, which will include further details on how we will improve play provision for children and young people with cancer.
With reference to her Department's statistics entitled Graduate labour market statistics, published on 5 June 2025, what steps she is taking to improve levels of high-skilled employment among graduates aged 21-30.
The department publishes the ‘Graduate Labour Market Statistics’, which provides statistics on employment and earnings outcomes for post-graduates, graduates and non-graduates. The publication includes estimates for high-skilled employment for graduates aged 21-30 years. In 2024, 60.1% of young graduates (age 21-30) were in high-skilled employment, a 0.1 percentage point increase on 2023 at 60.0%. This data was published on 5 June 2025, and is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/graduate-labour-markets/2024.Higher education (HE) should be a pathway to opportunity for all students. Students and taxpayers deserve a good return on their significant investment in HE, and our economy needs graduates to go on to highly skilled and well-paid employment. We are supporting the Office for Students to implement a new expanded quality system that will include a specific focus on the needs and benefits of HE to employers.We published our Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper on 20 October 2025, which sets out our reforms to the skills system to support the development of the skilled workforce our economy needs, delivering on our Plan for Change and driving national renewal.
With reference to her Department's statistics entitled LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes, published on 26 June 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of differences in earning outcomes between UK-domiciled and EU-domiciled graduates.
The department reviews the latest available data and evidence on graduate earning outcomes, including differences between UK-domiciled and EU-domiciled graduates, to inform and shape policy development where appropriate. The Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes statistics show that in the 2022/23 financial year, EU-domiciled graduates working in the UK earned more than UK graduates on average. Higher median earnings for EU-domiciled graduates have likely been a result of the minimum salary requirements needed to obtain a UK visa.The department is working with the Office for Students (OfS) to explore how high-cost funding can be effectively targeted towards provision which supports future skills needs and the Industrial Strategy. The LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes statistics show that employment outcomes vary by subject, but in the 2022/23 financial year employment outcomes were generally high across all subjects. Veterinary sciences had the highest proportion of graduates in sustained employment and/or further study (94.2% of graduates), and combined and general studies had the lowest proportion (80.5%).The LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes statistics provide an estimate of the real-term change in median earnings over time, with the latest available year of data being the 2022/23 financial year. For the latest available data at five years after graduation, the statistics show that real terms earnings decreased between 2018/19 and 2022/23. For first degree graduates, real-term median earnings (in 2016/17 prices) at five years after graduation were £26,300 in 2018/19 and £25,400 in 2022/23. Real-term median earnings were rising slightly but have seen a decline in the latest two years of data.The department reviews the latest available data and evidence on graduate employment outcomes, including the variances in outcomes between graduates and postgraduates at different stages, to inform and shape policy development where appropriate. In the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, the government announced its plans to work with the OfS to develop options for how we measure and compare progress in higher education, which will consider a range of data on student outcomes.The LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes statistics reports the proportion of graduates in sustained employment but does not distinguish ‘high-skilled employment’. Graduate Outcome survey data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency does include statistics specifically for high-skilled employment and shows that 76% of 2022/23 graduates were in high-skilled employment fifteen months after graduation. This data was published in July 2025 and can be found in Table 12 here: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/sb272/figure-12.The LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes statistics can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/leo-graduate-and-postgraduate-outcomes/2022-23.