Written questions by McMurdock.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Reforms to make it easier for overseas companies to move to the UK, published on 25 March 2026, what estimate he has made of the number of overseas companies which have been deterred from relocating to the UK under the current system.

The Government has published an analytical paper alongside the consultation providing a high-level assessment of the likely impacts. Initial analysis suggests that the regime would help to make the UK more attractive to companies wishing to change their domicile and signal the UK’s openness to business, and position as a global centre. The impact on the UK economy is therefore expected to be positive, but the scale of that impact is uncertain. A further, more detailed assessment, incorporating the findings of the consultation, will be produced to accompany the legislation that introduces the re-domiciliation regime.During the Department’s stakeholder engagement, some companies indicated that they decided against moving to the UK under the current system, which they found to be prohibitive. However, the Department is unable to estimate the overall number of non-UK companies that have been deterred from relocating to the UK under the current system as this is not information that is ordinarily published or announced by companies.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Government to Improve Support for Affordable Debt Repayments, published on 20 March 2026, what contingency plans are in place if the strategy does not lead to improved repayment outcomes.

Some government organisations share information to support debt management, including to help assess an individual’s ability to pay. Where data is shared, it may include information relating to income, employment and benefits, depending on the purpose, the lawful gateway and the specific debt and department involved. This data can be used as a way to distinguish between financial hardship and deliberate non-payment. Departments and ALBs will apply their own policies and statutory frameworks when determining the most appropriate approach to debt recovery, but government guidance on support for those in financial difficulty is available at Public Sector Toolkits - GOV.UK. Any sharing and use of personal data for debt management purposes is carried out in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Where data sharing takes place under the Digital Economy Act 2017, it is subject to the Act’s statutory framework and the Digital Economy Act Code of Practice, including requirements and principles on lawful purpose, necessity and proportionality, security and accountability. Performance against the strategy will be monitored by the GDMF in line with the Cabinet Office functional standards and governance requirements. Where monitoring indicates that intended improvements are not being achieved, the GDMF will use established functional governance to work with departments and ALBs to understand the issues and support improvements, including through guidance, sharing good practice and engagement with relevant organisations.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his decision letter to council leaders in Essex on local government reorganisation, dated 25 March 2026, when he plans to bring forward legislation to implement his decision on local government reorganisation in Essex.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, new unitary councils are expected to take on full council functions from 1 April 2028, with elections to new shadow councils in May 2027. The scheme of elections for the new councils will be set out in the Structural Changes Order, with all‑out elections expected, in line with previous reorganisations. Under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, only certain types of councils may resolve to move from whole‑council elections to elections by thirds, and these provisions do not apply to newly established councils. As set out in the Secretary of State’s letter of 26 March 2026, it is anticipated that the Structural Changes Order will be brought forward in the Autumn. No decisions have yet been taken on the warding arrangements, including how many wards there will be and how many councillors will serve each ward. As set out in the Department’s letter of 26 March, councils in Essex have been asked to submit their suggested interim warding arrangements, based on existing wards, divisions and parish boundaries, by 29 May for inclusion in the Structural Changes Order.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Government to Improve Support for Affordable Debt Repayments, published on 20 March 2026, what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of implementing more flexible repayment arrangements.

The press release entitled ‘Government to Improve Support for Affordable Debt Repayments’, published on 20 March 2026, publicised the Government Debt Management Strategy 2026–2030. The strategy sets out the Government Debt Management Function’s (GDMF) vision and principles for good debt management across central government. It does not introduce a single new, cross-government “affordable repayment plan” policy with uniform terms; repayment arrangements continue to be set by individual departments and arm’s-length bodies (ALBs) in line with their specific legislation, policies and the circumstances of the individual. This includes consideration of interest rates, repayment incentives / disincentives, repayment period length, specific performance metrics and associated costs. Affordability is assessed with an income and expenditure statement, discussion and regular reviews. All repayment plans should be affordable, so requested data on the proportion of repayment plans that are affordable, as well as metrics to assess this in the future, does not exist. The ability for an individual to challenge or seek a review of an affordability assessment depends on the type of debt, the individual’s circumstances and the department or ALB to which the debt is owed. Individuals can contact the relevant organisation to discuss their circumstances and any review or appeal routes available for that debt type. Information about the government’s plan to identify individuals at risk of falling into debt at an earlier stage and how the government has taken consideration of differences in repayment practices is available at Prevent Resolve Improve 26-30 Government Debt Management Strategy - GOV.UK.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Government to Improve Support for Affordable Debt Repayments, published on 20 March 2026, what additional support will be offered to individuals identified as being in financial difficulty beyond revised repayment schedules.

Some government organisations share information to support debt management, including to help assess an individual’s ability to pay. Where data is shared, it may include information relating to income, employment and benefits, depending on the purpose, the lawful gateway and the specific debt and department involved. This data can be used as a way to distinguish between financial hardship and deliberate non-payment. Departments and ALBs will apply their own policies and statutory frameworks when determining the most appropriate approach to debt recovery, but government guidance on support for those in financial difficulty is available at Public Sector Toolkits - GOV.UK. Any sharing and use of personal data for debt management purposes is carried out in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Where data sharing takes place under the Digital Economy Act 2017, it is subject to the Act’s statutory framework and the Digital Economy Act Code of Practice, including requirements and principles on lawful purpose, necessity and proportionality, security and accountability. Performance against the strategy will be monitored by the GDMF in line with the Cabinet Office functional standards and governance requirements. Where monitoring indicates that intended improvements are not being achieved, the GDMF will use established functional governance to work with departments and ALBs to understand the issues and support improvements, including through guidance, sharing good practice and engagement with relevant organisations.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Government to Improve Support for Affordable Debt Repayments, published on 20 March 2026, whether guidance will be issued to departments to distinguish between deliberate non-payment and financial hardship.

Some government organisations share information to support debt management, including to help assess an individual’s ability to pay. Where data is shared, it may include information relating to income, employment and benefits, depending on the purpose, the lawful gateway and the specific debt and department involved. This data can be used as a way to distinguish between financial hardship and deliberate non-payment. Departments and ALBs will apply their own policies and statutory frameworks when determining the most appropriate approach to debt recovery, but government guidance on support for those in financial difficulty is available at Public Sector Toolkits - GOV.UK. Any sharing and use of personal data for debt management purposes is carried out in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Where data sharing takes place under the Digital Economy Act 2017, it is subject to the Act’s statutory framework and the Digital Economy Act Code of Practice, including requirements and principles on lawful purpose, necessity and proportionality, security and accountability. Performance against the strategy will be monitored by the GDMF in line with the Cabinet Office functional standards and governance requirements. Where monitoring indicates that intended improvements are not being achieved, the GDMF will use established functional governance to work with departments and ALBs to understand the issues and support improvements, including through guidance, sharing good practice and engagement with relevant organisations.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Reforms to make it easier for overseas companies to move to the UK, published on 25 March 2026, what quantitative assessment he has made of the potential economic benefits of introducing a re-domiciliation regime.

The Government has published an analytical paper alongside the consultation providing a high-level assessment of the likely impacts. Initial analysis suggests that the regime would help to make the UK more attractive to companies wishing to change their domicile and signal the UK’s openness to business, and position as a global centre. The impact on the UK economy is therefore expected to be positive, but the scale of that impact is uncertain. A further, more detailed assessment, incorporating the findings of the consultation, will be produced to accompany the legislation that introduces the re-domiciliation regime.During the Department’s stakeholder engagement, some companies indicated that they decided against moving to the UK under the current system, which they found to be prohibitive. However, the Department is unable to estimate the overall number of non-UK companies that have been deterred from relocating to the UK under the current system as this is not information that is ordinarily published or announced by companies.

Pursuant to his Department’s press release entitled Reforms to make it easier for overseas companies to move to the UK, published on 25 March 2026, what safeguards will be in place to prevent companies relocating to the UK to avoid regulatory or legal obligations in their original jurisdiction.

Under current proposals set out for public consultation, re-domiciled companies will retain all criminal and civil liabilities, and all contracts, debts and other obligations, to which the re-domiciling body corporate was subject immediately before re-domiciliation.To successfully re-domicile, companies will need to provide proof of de-registration in the departing jurisdiction within 60 days of registration in the UK. It is expected that the departing jurisdiction will satisfy itself that the body corporate has met any existing jurisdiction-specific liabilities that need to be met prior to approving its exit and de-registration.Companies must also confirm in their application that any authorisation or other action required by the departing jurisdiction has been given or will have been given on re-domiciliation and that the body corporate is not prevented from making the application because it is subject to a restriction on applying with an offence for making a false or misleading statement in the application.Once a body corporate has re-domiciled to the UK, it will be treated in the same way as a company originally incorporated in the UK . This includes relevant new requirements introduced by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, such as confirming that future activities will be lawful and for the proposed directors and persons of significant control to have their identities verified.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2026 to Question 123457 on Local Government and Voluntary Organisations: Social Impact Bonds, whether his Department consulted the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport on whether cancelling Essex's inaugural 2026 mayoral election would lead to less funding opportunities for Essex with regards to the Better Futures Fund.

The Government has decided to delay – not cancel – inaugural mayoral elections in places like Essex, which are undertaking local government reorganisation, to allow that process to conclude and ensure there are firm institutional foundations in place before the mayor takes office. We are nevertheless seeking to establish Mayoral Strategic Authorities in these areas ahead of this and as quickly as possible. The Government is committed to ensuring the Better Futures Fund provides adequate coverage across England and we expect this will include appropriate opportunities for local authorities not currently covered by a Mayoral Strategic Authority, as well as Mayoral Strategic Authorities that are yet to hold inaugural mayoral elections, to apply for funding.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the press release entitled Ministers rip up consultation culture, published on 26 March 2026, what research his Department have conducted of the efficiencies that will be gained by replacing Environmental Impact Assessments with Environmental Outcomes Reports; and whether this will be published.

I refer the hon. Member to the Environmental Outcomes Reports: Roadmap to reform published on 13 March 2026, which can be found on gov.uk here, and the response to the previous government’s March 2023 consultation on Environmental Outcomes Reports, which can be found on gov.uk here.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, what timetable has been set for the implementation of enhanced mortgage support measures.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Media and Sport, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Future of news is local, says Culture Secretary, as she launches the first action plan to back local news in a generation, published on 17 March 2026, what role (a) teachers and (b) external partners will have in (i) approving and (ii) overseeing content produced by pupils participating in the school newspaper initiative.

The Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and plural local media for the benefit of communities and citizens across the UK, and recognises the vital role that local press plays in scrutinising local institutions, and reflecting communities’ views and perspectives. Our recently published Local Media Action Plan will support local media organisations across the country to innovate and adapt their business models for the online world, while incentivising and encouraging the production of high quality, trustworthy news. Our overarching goal is to empower communities through a thriving local media which highlights the issues that matter to them, helping to drive community wellbeing, social cohesion and local growth. In the Action Plan we have made a series of commitments which will help local media, including: investing up to £12m in a new Local News Fund, which will help local media outlets adapt to commercial and technological changes and revive a local news presence in areas where it has retreated; more than doubling community radio funding to £1m a year; launching a new campaign starting in the North West to encourage more young people into journalism careers; and creating a new Regional Media Forum in the West of England, to develop a framework for best practice in scrutiny of local decision-making and public services. We are not planning any initiatives relating to the production of school newspapers. However, we do want to ensure that young people continue to have access to trustworthy and high quality news online from a range of sources. We are working with industry to promote and improve the ‘Newspapers for Schools’ News Library, an existing platform offering digital access to 150 local and national news titles for all state-funded primary and secondary schools in the country.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, what eligibility criteria will apply to borrowers seeking support under the enhanced measures.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the press release entitled Ministers rip up consultation culture, published on 26 March 2026, what differences will exist between Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Outcomes Reports in terms of scope and scrutiny.

I refer the hon. Member to the Environmental Outcomes Reports: Roadmap to reform published on 13 March 2026, which can be found on gov.uk here, and the response to the previous government’s March 2023 consultation on Environmental Outcomes Reports, which can be found on gov.uk here.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, whether the commitments made by lenders are voluntary or legally binding.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, what specific commitments were agreed by lenders during the meeting referenced in the announcement.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled UK crackdown on vile scam centres steps up with sanctions on illicit crypto network, published 26 March 2026, what international mechanisms are being used to recover funds lost by UK victims of fraud linked to foreign-based scam centres.

The UK is working with international partners to tackle the threat of cyber-enabled fraud emanating from scam centres in Cambodia, Myanmar, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. We have used sanctions to disrupt the networks behind these illicit activities and, where appropriate, we are providing technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of governments and law enforcement to address this issue. Nevertheless, it is important that we continue to go further, which is why strengthening international cooperation is at the heart of the Government's Fraud Strategy for 2026-29, published on 9 March.We are supportive of actions taken by Governments in Southeast Asia to tackle the threat of scam centres, including most recently in Cambodia. We continue to monitor these efforts and regularly review the latest evidence of the threat of cyber-enabled fraud. This includes assessing emerging trends of displacement into other jurisdictions and our ongoing work to address the issue at a regional level. In regards to funds lost by UK victims of fraud linked to foreign-based scam centres, I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to question 21153 on 18 December 2024.

What assessment she has made of the contribution of motorcycles to road wear compared with cars.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the contribution of motorcycles to road wear compared with cars.Guidance for local authorities already highlights the need for maintenance plans to account for changes in circumstances. The main guidance for local highway authorities on asset management is the Code of Practice for Well-Managed Highways Infrastructure, published by the UK Roads Leadership Group and funded by the Department for Transport. The guidance sets out a national framework for how local highway authorities should manage their networks using a risk-based, evidence-led approach, taking account of current and expected highways usage. The Department is currently reviewing the Code of Practice, including to ensure it considers the implications of different vehicle types, their increasing weights, and traffic composition on road maintenance. An updated version will be published by the end of this year.

What assessment she has made of the fairness of Vehicle Excise Duty for motorcycles compared with cars.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), sometimes known as 'road tax' or 'car tax', is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Different rates apply to cars, vans, and motorcycles, and the rate for each vehicle is calculated according to a range of factors, such as its date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions. VED for motorcycles is currently based on engine size. There are four engine size ranges, with the lowest rate applying to zero emission motorcycles and the smallest engines sized 150cc or less (currently £27). The highest rate applies to engines sized 600cc and above (currently £125). The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Pursuant to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor gets banks to step up mortgage support for customers, published on 26 March 2026, which mortgage lenders attended the meeting referenced in the press release.

On 26 March 2026, the Chancellor met with the six largest mortgage lenders (Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Barclays UK, HSBC UK, Santander UK, and Nationwide Building Society), alongside UK Finance, to discuss the outlook for mortgage rates in light of the conflict in Iran, how lenders are responding, and what practical support is available to concerned borrowers. At this meeting, these lenders committed to proactively contact 1.6 million customers whose fixed-rate deals end between now and the end of the year, setting out options well before payments change. Lenders across the industry also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is a voluntary agreement that covers 90% of the sector, and provides flexibilities to help borrowers manage their repayments over a short period. This includes it permitting borrowers to switch to an interest only mortgage, or extend their mortgage term, for up to 6 months, after which they can switch back without a new affordability check or it affecting their credit score. The Financial Conduct Authority regularly publish data on uptake of the Mortgage Charter. The Mortgage Charter is in addition to Financial Conduct Authority rules which provide significant protections for all borrowers, including ensuring all customers are treated fairly. Any borrower who is concerned about making their repayment should contact their lender. Seeking support and engaging with lenders to discuss options will not affect a borrower’s credit score in any way, and earlier engagement will mean that lenders can offer more support. More broadly, the market remains open, resilient and competitive. Prospective first-time buyers may find it useful to speak to a broker in order to find the best possible product available for their circumstances.