Written questions by McMurdock.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of affordable community spaces for charities and voluntary organisations in a) Essex and b) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

Responsibility for the provision and management of community buildings and spaces sits primarily with local authorities and local partners, who are best placed to understand local need and demand. The Department engages more broadly with councils in Essex and the voluntary and community sector through cohesion projects and policy initiatives that can support community infrastructure and resilience, for example, through the Common Ground Awards. This is a capital grant programme that funds voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England to improve or equip community spaces that bring people together from different backgrounds. The awards support small-scale building works or equipment purchases to strengthen social cohesion and help communities connect and share space. The Department does not hold data on the number of a) community centres, b) halls and c) shared civic spaces which have closed in the last 3 years. Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we are, however, introducing a new community right to buy that will empower communities to take ownership of valued community spaces and protect them for the benefit of the wider community.

Communities and Local Government, what data his Department holds on the number of a) community centres, b) halls and c) shared civic spaces that have closed in the last three years.

Responsibility for the provision and management of community buildings and spaces sits primarily with local authorities and local partners, who are best placed to understand local need and demand. The Department engages more broadly with councils in Essex and the voluntary and community sector through cohesion projects and policy initiatives that can support community infrastructure and resilience, for example, through the Common Ground Awards. This is a capital grant programme that funds voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England to improve or equip community spaces that bring people together from different backgrounds. The awards support small-scale building works or equipment purchases to strengthen social cohesion and help communities connect and share space. The Department does not hold data on the number of a) community centres, b) halls and c) shared civic spaces which have closed in the last 3 years. Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, we are, however, introducing a new community right to buy that will empower communities to take ownership of valued community spaces and protect them for the benefit of the wider community.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to Answer of 17 February 2026 to Question 111407, whether the consultation will include policy proposals relating to the visibility of children’s a) profile images and b) public biographical information.

Our landmark consultation on measures to protect children and enrich their online wellbeing launched on 2nd March. This is open to the public, industry and civil society to respond to. We have also published parent and child versions to ensure all voices are reflected.Measures in the consultation include implementing a minimum age to access certain social media and gaming platforms and limiting children’s access to ‘risky’ functionalities like livestreaming, location sharing and connecting with strangers. Respondents have the opportunity to list any other features they think should be age-restricted, which could include children’s public profile images and biographical information.The consultation closes on 26 May. We will respond by the summer.

What proportion of people in South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency have not achieved a grade 4 in a) English and b) Maths by age 19.

The official statistics release 'Level 2 and 3 attainment age 16 to 25' includes numbers and proportions of those achieving GCSE English language and maths by age 19 for those who were recorded in mainstream state-funded schools in year 11, the final year of secondary school. The latest data available is for the 2023/24 academic year, available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/level-2-and-3-attainment-by-young-people-aged-19/2023-24.For South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency, the figures for those who have not achieved a grade 4 in a) English language and b) maths are provided in the table below.YearSouth Basildon and East ThurrockEnglandAcademic year the young person turned 19Number in mainstream state-funded schools in year 11Proportion not achieved GCSE English language by 19Proportion not achieved GCSE maths by 19Proportion not achieved GCSE English language by 19Proportion not achieved GCSE maths by 192023/241,03823.7%30.2%17.1%21.0%2022/231,05225.0%27.4%15.9%19.2%

Pursuant to Answer of 2 February 2026 to Question 109496 on Iron and Steel: Imports, what recent steps he has taken to help increase the availability of UK-produced (a) crude, (b) semi-finished and (c) finished steel.

This government has committed up to £2.5 billion to the sector, in addition to the £500m for Port Talbot and a £400 million increase to the investment at Sheffield Forgemasters, as well as cutting electricity costs, changing procurement rules and working to protect our industry from unfair competition.The steel strategy, to be published in early 2026, will set out a vision for a competitive sector with increased UK based production.These measures benefit producers across the steel supply chain, although in many cases production of crude, semi-finished and finished steel will exist within the same company and site.

Whether he is taking steps to help reduce levels of imports of Chinese-produced steel.

We seek to protect our steel industry from the impacts of unfair trading practices and global overcapacity, using trade remedies such as anti‑dumping and anti‑subsidy measures alongside the steel safeguard.We are prioritising the development of a robust, evidence-based and effective measure to ensure our domestic sector remains protected following the expiry of the safeguard at the end of June 2026.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his letter to council leaders on 16 February 2026, whether he has also received legal advice on proceeding with the local elections in Basildon in 2027.

I refer hon. Members to the Secretary of State’s Written Ministerial Statement made on 23 February (HCWS1349). It is a longstanding principle that government does not comment on or publish legal advice.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his letter to council leaders on 16 February 2026, whether legal advice was considered when the 2025 local elections were postponed.

I refer hon. Members to the Secretary of State’s Written Ministerial Statement made on 23 February (HCWS1349). It is a longstanding principle that government does not comment on or publish legal advice.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his letter to council leaders on 16 February 2026, whether he plans to publish the legal advice cited in that letter.

I refer hon. Members to the Secretary of State’s Written Ministerial Statement made on 23 February (HCWS1349). It is a longstanding principle that government does not comment on or publish legal advice.

What estimate she has made of the proportion of the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline funding that will be provided to (a) Essex and (b) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency.

Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline funding is not allocated based on local authorities or constituencies. Rather, investments are made on schemes which deliver the greatest value for money for the national network and are most aligned to the Government’s priorities.

What recent steps she has taken to support the wellbeing of seafarers.

My Department works domestically and internationally to improve seafarer welfare. The UK takes a leading role at the IMO to secure greater protections for seafarers, including at recent meetings on seafarer fatigue and working hours. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency enforces seafarer welfare, including the Seafarers’ Wages Act 2023 which requires seafarers working on international services calling frequently at UK ports to be paid at least the equivalent to UK National Minimum Wage. The Government has also legislated through the Employment Rights Act 2025 to provide for a mandatory seafarers’ charter to protect those working aboard international services frequently calling at UK ports.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of secure parking spaces for HGV drivers.

The Department for Transport published the National Survey of Lorry Parking on 29th September 2022 which highlighted what improvements to lorry parking facilities were most needed. The survey showed an average shortage of around 4,500 HGV parking spaces for the month of March 2022 and identified driver concerns with the quality of welfare facilities and security of lorry parks. In response to these findings, the Department launched the HGV Parking Matched Funding Grant Scheme (MFGS) in 2022 to improve driver welfare facilities, increase secure lorry parking provision, and enhance site security. Through this scheme, up to £35.7 million of joint investment is being delivered to upgrade truck stops across England. This is in addition to up to £30 million of joint investment by National Highways and industry partners to improve lorry parking facilities along the strategic road network.

Pursuant to Answer of 12th January 2026 to Question 102595 on Logistics: Young People, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Freight Workforce Group for increasing employment in the logistics industry.

The Freight Workforce Group brings together government and industry representatives to monitor workforce trends across the freight and logistics sector and provides a structured forum for employers of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to share evidence on skills gaps, barriers to employment and emerging labour market pressures. The Group has been effective in establishing a shared understanding of current employment levels and where action is required across government and industry to support the sector. The Group has identified the need to support more young people into the sector and to build resilience in its workforce and improve employment levels generally by recruiting from under-represented groups. As a result, industry members of the Group have taken the lead in developing guidance aimed at providing the necessary tools and advice to employers to take steps to make this happen. This will be published by the Department in due course.

What steps she is taking to help ensure that HGV drivers can take rest breaks with appropriate facilities.

Through the HGV parking and driver welfare match funding grant scheme the Department for Transport and industry partners are projected to deliver up to £35.7m of joint investment to enhance truck stops across England. This significant investment is in addition to joint investment by National Highways and industry of up to a further £30 million, aimed at improving lorry parking facilities along the strategic road network. The scheme is supporting operators across 30 counties in England to improve driver facilities such as security measures, toilets, showers, refreshment facilities and increasing lorry parking spaces.

Communities and Local Government, what proportion of revenue raised through a visitor levy will be retained locally.

The precise design and scope of the power to introduce an overnight visitor levy are still being developed. Decisions on whether to introduce a levy will ultimately be for Mayors and other local leaders, based on what is right for their area. The Government’s consultation on the design and scope of the visitor levy closed on 18 February, and we will publish an official response in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure revenue from a visitor levy is reinvested in local tourism infrastructure.

The precise design and scope of the power to introduce an overnight visitor levy are still being developed. Decisions on whether to introduce a levy will ultimately be for Mayors and other local leaders, based on what is right for their area. The Government’s consultation on the design and scope of the visitor levy closed on 18 February, and we will publish an official response in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing a visitor levy on visitor numbers to (a) England and (b) Essex.

The precise design and scope of the power to introduce an overnight visitor levy are still being developed. Decisions on whether to introduce a levy will ultimately be for Mayors and other local leaders, based on what is right for their area. The Government’s consultation on the design and scope of the visitor levy closed on 18 February, and we will publish an official response in due course.

Communities and Local Government, whether he is considering exemptions from a visitor levy for children, long-stay visitors and people travelling for medical purposes.

The precise design and scope of the power to introduce an overnight visitor levy are still being developed. Decisions on whether to introduce a levy will ultimately be for Mayors and other local leaders, based on what is right for their area. The Government’s consultation on the design and scope of the visitor levy closed on 18 February, and we will publish an official response in due course.

Pursuant to Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 102593 on Logistics: Infrastructure, what estimate she has made of the number of additional lorry parking spaces that will be required to meet projected demand in the next five years.

The Department has not made a specific estimate of the number of additional lorry parking spaces that will be required over the next five years. However, the Department will shortly launch a new National Lorry Parking Survey. This will provide a comprehensive picture of current capacity, demand and driver welfare facilities across England. The findings will inform future policy on HGV parking and welfare and will support planning applications for new or expanded sites.

Communities and Local Government, with reference to his letter to council leaders on 16 February 2026, whether the additional capacity funding will be provided (a) to all local authorities and (b) only to local authorities that requested election postponements.

Up to £63 million new funding will be made available to help all local councils across the 21 reorganisation areas best deliver local government re-organisation and builds on the £7.6 million provided last year.