Every parliamentary written question tabled by Kevin Hollinrake this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,461–1,480 of 3,003 · this parliament
Whether the Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics Team has issued guidance on the council tax second homes premium for ministerial residences.
Ministers who are allocated an official residence are reminded of their responsibility for all personal tax liabilities, including council tax. The Propriety and Ethics team does not provide advice on personal tax arrangements.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of local government reorganisation since 2009.
As set out in the answer to Question UIN 32149 on 3 March 2025, we set out in the English Devolution White Paper that we will learn from the experience and successes of others who have been through the local government reorganisation process. We welcome the partnership approach that is being taken across the sector to respond to the ambitious plans set out in the White Paper, including sharing expertise on delivering reorganisation effectively given each area’s unique circumstances. For example, unitarisation has helped North Yorkshire Council, established in April 2023 to manage financial pressures through structural changes and service transformation which are expected to achieve more than £40 million in savings by March 2026.
Communities and Local Government, what criteria she plans to use to assess local government reorganisation proposals which fall below the 500,000 population threshold.
The English Devolution White Paper, and the Statutory Invitation set a guiding principle that new unitary councils should have a population size of 500,000 or more. This is not a hard target and it is recognised that there should be flexibility, especially given our ambition to build out devolution and take account of housing growth, alongside local government reorganisation. All proposals, whether they are at the guided level, above it, or below it should clearly set out the rationale for the proposed approach. Decisions on the most appropriate option for each area will be judgements in the round, having regard to the guidance and the available evidence.
Communities and Local Government, what plans she has made to ensure that any final local government reorganisation proposals reflect the views of local residents and stakeholders.
On 5 February, the government issued invitations to councils in two-tier areas in England and neighbouring unitary councils to prepare proposals for local government reorganisation. The invitation is clear on the importance of engagement in developing proposals for strong, stable unitary councils that are fit for the future. This engagement should include local residents and stakeholders, including public service providers, workforce and their representatives, Members of Parliament and businesses. Final proposals put forward should include evidence of local engagement, an explanation of the views that have been put forward and how concerns will be addressed. Once a proposal has been submitted it will be for the government to decide on taking a proposal forward and to consult as required by statute.
Communities and Local Government, what criteria will be used to allocate the £7.6 million capacity funding for local government reorganisation to local authorities.
The £7.6 million will be made available in the form of local government reorganisation proposal development contributions, to be split across the 21 areas that have been invited to submit proposals for unitary local government. This is the first time that capacity funding has been made available for reorganisation proposals, recognising the priority that this government attaches to this. Further information will be provided on how this will be allocated soon, and we intend to make payments as soon as possible. As set out in the invitation to areas, considering the efficiencies that are possible through reorganisation, we expect that areas will be able to meet transition costs over time from existing budgets, including from the flexible use of capital receipts that can support authorities in taking forward transformation and invest-to-save projects. We asked areas to include indicative costs in their interim plans.
Pursuant to the Answer of 25 April 2025 to Question 46788 on Waste Disposal: Birmingham, if he will publish the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities request from the Ministry of Housing, Community, and Local Government.
It is not standard practice to publish MACA requests as the hon. Gentleman will know from his time in Government.
Communities and Local Government, what estimate her Department has made of the total staff exit costs incurred in each instance of local government reorganisation since 2009.
No estimate has been made of total staff exit costs as a result of previous local government reorganisation.
Communities and Local Government, what guidance her Department has issued to local authorities on boycotting (a) goods and services associated with and (b) companies that trade with Israel.
The UK government is committed to promoting our trade and business ties with Israel and strongly opposes boycotts. The Cabinet Office has published guidance to public authorities prohibiting procurement boycotts against Israeli firms and firms which trade with Israel. MHCLG has not issued separate guidance on this matter.
How many staff the Valuation Office Agency employs; and whether she has set a target for a reduction to that number.
As of the 30 April 2025, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) employs 4,005 staff, which equates to 3,749.71 full-time employees. In addition, the VOA employs 88 contingent labour workers.The VOA has no current plans to reduce the workforce.
What customer service metrics are collated into (a) Valuation Office Agency and (b) HM Revenue and Customs.
HMRC Customer Service Metrics include Net Easy and Customer Satisfaction with its phone, webchat and digital services. HMRC also measures its telephone and correspondence performance through Telephony Adviser Attempts Handled and Customer Correspondence responded to in 15 working days and 40 working days. HMRC monitor performance against these metrics and a set of supporting metrics, which can be found in the monthly and quarterly publications HMRC monthly performance reports - GOV.UK , and HMRC quarterly performance updates - GOV.UK , and in our Annual Report and Accounts: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrcs-annual-report-and-accountsThe Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has aligned all telephony metrics with HMRC. Other metrics the VOA report on can be found in its Annual Report & Accounts: www.gov.uk/government/collections/valuation-office-agency-annual-report-and-accounts
Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the level of (a) debt and (b) liabilities held by local authorities on local government reorganisation.
On 5 February, the Government issued invitations to councils in two-tier areas in England and neighbouring unitary councils to prepare proposals for local government reorganisation. It is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. It is the responsibility of councils to manage their budgets, and it is standard for councils to borrow and to hold debt, which they will do in the normal course of business. Local government reorganisation does not change this.
In what locations the (a) Valuation Office Agency and (b) HM Revenue and Customs have offices; and whether any offices are shared.
Full details of the current office locations for VOA and HMRC are set out in the tables below: HMRC officesLocationShared with VOA (Marked with a X)Belfast, Erskine House/Carne House Birmingham, Arena CentralXBristol, Glass WharfXCardiff, TY William MorganXCroydon, Ruskin SquareXEdinburgh, Queen Elizabeth HouseXGlasgow, Atlantic SquareXLeeds,7&8 Wellington PlaceXLiverpool, India Buildings Manchester, Three New BaileyXNewcastle, Benton Park ViewXNottingham, Unity SquareXPortsmouth, Lynx House Stratford, Westfield Avenue Dover, Priory Court Gartcosh, Scottish Crime Campus Ipswich, Brook Lawrence House Telford, Plaza 1 & 2 Swansea, Sandringham Park Worthing, Teville Gate HouseXBradford, Centenary Court Manchester, Trinity Bridge House Washington, Waterview Park East Kilbride, Queensway House London, Parliament Street Porthmadog, Ty Thedford Preston, St Mark’s and St Mary’sXReading, Premier House VOA officesAberdeen, Union PointCambridge, EastbrookCanary Wharf, 10 South ColonnadeCarmarthen, St Davids ParkColchester, The OctagonDurham, Wycliffe HouseEastbourne, St Annes HouseExeter, The SenateFolkestone, Palting HouseHull, Earle HouseInverness, River HouseLancaster, Mitre HouseMerseyside, Redgrave CourtNorwich, Rosebery CourtOxford, Avalon HousePlymouth, Crownhill CourtSheffield, Greenfield HouseSouthampton, Mountbatten HouseSt Austell, Penhaligon HouseStoke on Trent, Bennet HouseSwansea, Swansea Civil CentreWembley, Brent Civil CentreWrexham, Yale Business Village
How many outstanding (a) council tax and (b) business rate challenges are still open and unresolved in relation to (i) 2022-23, (ii) 2023-24 and (iii) 2024-25 in (A) England and (B) Wales.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) publishes official statistics for England and Wales on Non-domestic Rating and Council Tax: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/valuation-office-agency/about/statisticsThe VOA published an update for business rates on 8 May 2025. This includes the number of outstanding cases from the 2017 and 2023 Rating Lists in England and Wales. They can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/non-domestic-rating-challenges-and-changes-2017-and-2023-rating-lists-march-2025The latest published data for Council Tax is 2023-24.Valuation Office Agency: Council Tax statistics - GOV.UK
Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 45688 on Holiday Accommodation and Second Homes: Registration, if she will ensure that homes subject to a second homes council tax premium by local authorities are not charged additional registration fees.
The registration scheme for short-term lets legislated for in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 will require registration of specified properties that meet the definition of a short-term rental property. The detailed scope of the scheme is still being determined and will be shaped to meet the scheme’s overarching objectives to provide data that enables local authorities to better understand their visitor accommodation market, support tourism growth, and protect the spirit and fabric of communities.
What the average office attendance is for (a) Valuation Office Agency and (b) HM Revenue and Customs staff, adjusting for VOA work that requires off-site visits.
For the period of March 2025, 67% of VOA people attended the office as expected, once off-site adjustments are considered. For the same period, 80% of HMRC people (excluding VOA) did so.
Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 45662 on Tax Allowances: Mid Bedfordshire, whether the negotiations over central government support or subsidy for the Universal Studios development have now concluded; and whether the intention is for a legally binding agreement.
Details of negotiations with private investors and Government are confidential. The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and as outlined when the Government announced the deal, further details on Government infrastructure investment around the site will be set out in due course.
Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals under the Electronic Government Act 2000 to reduce the time taken in relation to administration relating to (a) planning applications and decisions and (b) buying and selling homes.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is not intending to bring forward legislative proposals under the Electronic Government Act (2000). The Department is, however, undertaking a Digital Planning programme which aims to enable a modern and efficient planning system in England. This includes modern development management software delivering time savings relating to planning applications. Increased availability of high-quality, standardised data is essential for ensuring the smooth flow of information between systems. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act includes planning data powers and MHCLG will be introducing data standards for planning applications via secondary legislation. On 9 February, we announced action to take forward plans to digitalise the home buying and selling sector. In collaboration with HM Land Registry, we are working with local authorities to digitise property data, introduce common data standards, and enable digital identity services for the property sector. More information can be found on gov.uk here.
Pursuant to the Answer of 25 April 2025 to Question 45661 on Waste: Health Hazards, if he will publish guidance issued by the UK Health Security Agency to the local Director of Public Health.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has provided standard guidance to the local authority on the public health risks associated with household waste, to minimise health risks to Birmingham residents. This information can be found on the Birmingham City Council website, at the following link: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20009/waste_and_recycling/3020/waste_and_recycling_industrial_action_-_faq_for_residents/6.
Pursuant to the Answer of 17 April 2025 to Question 43484 on Independent Commission into Adult Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the estimated timetable on the timing of reforms to social care in this Parliament.
The Independent Commission is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transcend party politics and build consensus on how we can deliver meaningful, long lasting, and sustainable change. It will be undertaken in two phases, with the first phase reporting next year.In the first phase of the commission, Baroness Casey will make recommendations that can be delivered within the financial envelope set for this Parliament. The second phase of the commission will consider longer-term reforms and will report back by 2028.While the commission continues its work, we are already laying the groundwork for more substantial, long-term changes that will create a more resilient and sustainable system. Through our Plan for Change, we've hit the ground running to improve the social care system we inherited in crisis, with up to £3.7 billion in extra funding, £172 million for approximately 15,000 home adaptations for disabled people, a £2,000 uplift to the Carer’s Allowance, and via the introduction of legislation for the first-ever Fair Pay Agreement for care workers.
Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the (a) second homes and (b) higher empty homes premium on retirement flats which estates inherit but are unable to sell.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 48979 on 7 May 2025. It is for individual councils to consider the local impact of council tax premiums and their appropriateness. The government has published guidance on the implementation of premiums and exceptions which councils are expected to consider when making their decisions.